The Game

As it’s always the case, the best way to forget a disappointing performance like the one against Huddersfield is to look forward, focus on the next game and of course, win and convince.

Tomorrow will not be easy. The Toffees are enjoying a nice run and we will of course be without Samir Nasri. Arsene said he took a gamble which didn’t pay off with the Frenchman but I must say I was happy to see our top scorer in the line-up. Considering how awful we have been whenever one of the star players was missing in the team, Samir was needed in the middle and the introduction of Cesc later on in the game clearly showed why.

How tough will it be to cope without our best player? In my opinion it all depends on Andrey Arshavin. Contrary to what many believe, the Russian did well in his last two games with two assists against Ipswich and a lively performance in the FA Cup during which he delivered some balls in the penalty area. Marouane and Nicklas may have failed to take full advantage of his work but with Robin in the penalty area, I’m sure the result will be a different one.

By this I’m not saying that we will not miss Samir and it hurts to see our best player suffer a three-week injury just when we were very close to have a full squad to choose from, but we have to look forward and hope to see our offensive department take chances when they get them.

To conclude, I am very sad to read the news about the departure of Nacer Barazite, who joins Austria Vienna on a free transfer. I was always impressed whenever I had the possibility of seeing him in action and sometimes I wonder why players like the Dutchman and Fran Merida are let go with such ease by the Club.

As always, my favourite line-up is below. Remember you can submit your own at Arsenal Interactive and then share it on Twitter and Facebook.

Favourite line-up

After Manuel Almunia demonstrated for the umpteenth time that he will never be good enough to rely on for a whole season, Wojciech will surely be back in goal with Johan Djourou, Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna all making their comeback in the starting line-up after resting on Sunday.

In midfield, I expect Jack, Cesc and Alex to start with Abou Diaby ready to come on in the second half if Jack or Alex suffer fatigue. Up front, Andrey should take control of the left wing now that Samir is out, with Theo back in the line-up on the right and of course the Dutch maestro leading the forward line.

Pre-match Interviews

For those desperate to know whether there will be a last-minute signing, these are the latest from our manager who explained he might recall one or more players who were loaned out.

He said:

Denilson looks to have a hamstring problem but certainly less serious than Nasri,. But I have given a few players on loan, I might recall some. Exactly who he recalls will depend on the conditions of each individual loan deal.

We have Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, we have especially Henri Lansbury who has gone on loan. I can [recall Kyle Bartley] but he has not played at all in the Premier League.

It is difficult at the moment. Ramsey is out on loan for one month. If it is a month you have to wait for the month unless we have exceptional injuries, then you can have the request [to recall a player]. But Ramsey needs games so even if you recall him he needs first games before he plays.

After three consecutive draws in their last three games, Everton would be happy to add a fourth as manager David Moyes explained tomorrow’s game is a hard game for his players as they face a very good Arsenal side.

He said:

We always want to take three points but if we added another draw I do not think it would be a terrible result. It is always a hard game.

Arsenal have good sides every year. It is not in question the players and the quality they’ve got there. They do a good job. They are trying to compete at the top end of the league which is very difficult.

We have drawn some games we should have won and drawn some where we have been a bit fortunate. Getting wins is really important as we have not really had enough of them.

The Gunning Hawk Coverage

As always, tune in for team line-ups, streaming links, half time and full time reports, post-match thoughts, video highlights and what the press is writing. And of course, do contribute if you want to by making use of the comment box available at the bottom of the post as it’s always nice to hear your opinion. And as a final note, if you want to go one step further than just leaving a comment and want to have your articles published on our website, take a look here for more information.

Arsenal Interactive

And of course, don’t forget you’re still in time to pick your preferred team for this game. And when the final whistle blows, don’t forget to rate the players, comment on their performances and share your personal ratings with your friends. All this and more, available at http://www.arsenal-interactive.com.