With the apparent re-integration of the German World Cup Winners in Lukas Podolski, Mesut Ozil and vice-captain Per Mertesacker, Arsenal have more options than it had in the games against Crystal Palace and Besiktas. The lowest point of the last season league campaign was inclusive of 3-0 loss to Everton at Goodison Park, a game where everything went wrong for the gunners; it was a bad off day at work. This fixture though coming early in the season gives Arsenal and Arsene Wenger the chance to measure up in away games against the top-6 in the Premiership, particularly with the sore points of losing dramatically to Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool in lump amount of goals
The depth of the squad particularly in the two games is not in question particularly with the raising injury situation. How the coach manages tactics and personnel is more important at this early period. Arsene is renowned for running players aground particularly as the tries to build a strong 1st team from an early stage, which informs of how the injuries run up by January to March.
With the club's foot dragging on potential recruits, it is imperative Arsenal plays to its utmost strength against Everton to get at worst a draw. The playing strategy has changed from last season 4-2-3-1 to 4-1-4-1, maybe due to the absence of Ozil, who plays more in the hole in the former system; whereas the combination of Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey are more of runners in the midfield. Notably, the new system has seen Santi Cazorla drifting into the hole from the left, whilst Alexis Sanchez joins up with the striker in a clear case of 4-4-2, forming a diamond midfield formation. The system gives the ability to press more in the central area, but the performance of the last two games has not shown more of the intention.
Everton's game plan will be to press in the central midfield and have their wing-backs in Coleman and Baines linking up the Lukaku. Arsenal must counter Everton's strength by reinforcing its own strength. Presence of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain after coming in as a substitute is noteworthy, he adds width to the forward play taking pressure off Alexis. Particularly against Besiktas where his impart on the game was so obvious in the closing moments of the game, Alexis will blossom if the pressure is taken off him.
The Speed of the OX and Alexis is Key to getting a result against a very compact Everton side
Chance for Chambers as DM
Despite the obvious lack of shield for the defense, Arsene is still stubbornly foot-dragging on recruits for the defensive midfield. The captaincy of Mikel Arteta and trust that Wenger has in him has made the situation more complicated irrespective of his age and injury. Matthieu Flamini is tipped to replace him as Mertesacker will take over the defense ahead of Chambers. Even with the need to be careful with his development, this game is one that needs the stability and calmness that comes with his game, Chambers will learn quicker with the experience of Kosielny and Mertesacker behind him particularly in this super game.
Possibles: Szczesny - Debuchy, Monreal, Mertesacker, Kosielny - Chambers - Ramsey, Wilshere, Sanchez, Oxlade-Chamberlain - Giroud
