I guess that we will adopt the 4-2-3-1 with Arshavin and Bendtner supporting Van Persie whenever we are in possession of the ball in the final third

There are many less daunting grounds to visit on the opening day of the season. Ironically Arsenal have only lost 4 league games at Goodison Park in 17 matches but to be fair to Everton they are different proposition these days.

David Moyes has made his team very difficult to beat with hard working and committed players who all work to a system, they all know what their manager wants from them and they have done well to push as far as they have in recent years.

I have respect for Everton football club, they like ourselves do not ‘bank’ on outside investment, they do not spend what they do not have, they are a self sufficient club who work to their means and the manager has always picked out good professionals with good work ethic.

We have started the season with a short injury list which we hope will sort itself out before it decides to grow even further. The good news is that most of our starters will be present. Only a fit Theo Walcott would realistically be expecting his name to be read out before kick off

Nicklas Bendtner 52 and Robin Van Persie have overcome their international niggles and should be ready to start the game in attack.

I am intrigued to know how the players will line up with Wenger likely to use a formation different to 4-4-2. Everton are likely to string five across the midfield, with Cahill likely to break and support their forward which could be Jo if he is available for the squad, so I do not expect Wenger to start with a midfield three as he knows he will be outnumbered in that area of the pitch so I guess that we will adopt the 4-2-3-1 with Arshavin and Bendtner supporting Van Persie whenever we are in possession of the ball in the final third. This is the beauty of our players, the are very adaptable and fluid.

Wenger might be tempted to bring in Abou Diaby to add that height and power to the team but Arsene may find it difficult to find a place for him as Bendtner is already tall and powerful in the air. He wouldn’t replace Arshavin as he did in the FA Cup semi final against Chelsea and surely Denilson is first choice to protect the back four.

Everton will no doubt try to exploit us from set pieces with Cahill arriving in late, it is a chance for us to see how good Vermaelen is in the air as it has been noted that one of his strong points is his power from aerial situations.

Mean Lean’s Predicted Line Up

Mean Lean’s Match Prediction

I expect the usual type of game when facing Everton in their own patch. They will close us down, try and not give us space to play in central areas and try and upset us with crosses into the box.

We will be up for the game and very committed as it is the first game of the season, the player know that it is vital to get off to a good start so I hope that we can keep it tight and allow our match winners Van Persie and Arshavin to win the game.

Take a look at two great articles written by Squid Boy and Ole Gunner

The importance of getting off to a flyer – version 2.0 (Squid Boy)
‘The boys in red and white’ are back in red and white, and they’re good enough. Midfielder & goalkeeper apply within (Ole Gunner)

If they cannot inspire you with confidence then nothing will.

Come on you GUNNERS!