For the last few seasons, Everton have pressed us hard from the front and have not allowed our defenders and deeper midfielders time and space on the ball, the back up players have just had a tough time playing against that tactic, so it will be interesting to see how Arsene counteracts that if

The celebration of the club’s 125th anniversary means that today’s match with Everton is not just a normal match, there should be more emotional baggage attached to the fixture. It will be great to see some of the great ex players of the past as well as the various classy touches that only Arsenal can provide, as important as all that is I imagine that the only talking point come the final whistle will be the result.

Our margin for error is pretty much non existent as those above us continue to collect points and especially as our last home game to Fulham finished in a draw.

Everton are currently in mid-table and lost their last match at home to Stoke City but it seems as if no matter what their form is like or what position they are in the league, David Moyes always fires his players up for a game against the Arsenal.

For the last few seasons, Everton have pressed us hard from the front and have not allowed our defenders and deeper midfielders time and space on the ball, the back up players have just had a tough time playing against that tactic, so it will be interesting to see how Arsene counteracts that if Everton do continue to play that way.

The game could be scrappy at the start, with possession being distributed out pretty evenly during the early exchanges. Former Everton midfielder Arteta and Alex Song will be vital in getting out of that situation.

The obvious talking point will be who will replace Andre Santos who has now been ruled out for several weeks which is very sad news. I have been hoping that youngster Ignasi Miquel would be drafted in to replace the Brazilian but Arsene pretty much let the cat out of the bag and confirmed that Thomas Vermaelen will be moving to left back as his replacement. The idea of a total reshift of our defence worries me a little but all the players who will be in our back four are all experienced players who hopefully can adapt quickly. What that team will give us is probably the largest back four in Arsene’s reign as manager of Arsenal. I would imagine that Moyes will be hoping to use set pieces as his team’s major weapon so let’s see how that goes.

I would be very surprised if we click offensively from the very start and I guess that van Persie will be paid special attention today so our wide forwards will be massively important today. Theo Walcott is due a goal and Gervinho’s unpredictable style will be something that could make the difference.

An early Arsenal goal would do wonders. Fingers crossed we get that and more importantly get the three points so we can enjoy the 125 years celebration properly.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up: