Premier League preview: Everton v Arsenal

26 November 2012 09:29

Everton will be looking to maintain their unbeaten home record at Goodison Park when they tackle Arsenal on Wednesday.

The battle for fifth place on the table sees David Moyes' men striving to turn their numerous chances into three points.

Everton have drawn five of their past seven matches and trail fourth-placed Chelsea by three points.

Their inability to convert their chances was never more apparent than at home on Saturday when they failed to take full advantage of their early domination, allowing Norwich to sneak an injury-time equaliser.

"We need to turn this good play and opportunities into goals. You can have as many passes and as much possession as you like and play whatever style you like, but the most important thing is to win and that is the most important thing for me," Moyes said after the Norwich game.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger echoed his Everton counterpart's message after the goalless draw at Villa Park on Saturday.

"We had the right attitude but lacked a bit of fluency and accuracy in the final third. When we had the opportunities to be dangerous we didn't use them well," Wenger said after the match.

Wenger must be disappointed to see the Gunners fall 10 points behind leaders Manchester United and will be hoping that Olivier Giroud, Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can re-ignite the attack which produced 10 goals in the three matches before the Villa stalemate.

Theo Walcott, whose future at the north London club is still in doubt despite protracted contract renewal discussions, could be back for the Merseyside clash if he has recovered from a shoulder injury.

But Moyes will be boosted by the return of his go-to man, Belgian international Marouane Fellaini, who missed the draw against Norwich through suspension.

Fellaini, who has scored 20 goals in 118 appearances for Everton, has been in fine form for the club with his recent match-winning performance against Sunderland a highlight.

Everton could also welcome the return from injury of Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) and Victor Anichebe (leg).