Match Overview
Everton welcome Arsenal to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday, 20 December 2025, with kickoff at 20:00. Light rain and cool temperatures are expected, adding a slick surface to a high-stakes Premier League meeting. The last league clash between these sides ended 1-1, suggesting another close contest. Both teams arrive with clear identities: Everton lean on home resilience, while Arsenal balance steady scoring with robust away defensive numbers.
- Fixture: Everton vs Arsenal
- Competition: Premier League
- Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium (Liverpool, Merseyside)
- Date: 20-12-2025
- Kickoff: 20:00 GMT / 20:00 UTC
Predicted Lineups
Everton
- J. Pickford
- J. Tarkowski
- M. Keane
- J. O’Brien
- V. Mykolenko
- J. Garner
- J. Grealish
- I. Gueye
- T. Iroegbunam
- I. Ndiaye
- T. Barry
Arsenal
- David Raya
- J. Timber
- W. Saliba
- R. Calafiori
- P. Hincapié
- D. Rice
- Martín Zubimendi
- E. Eze
- Mikel Merino
- V. Gyokeres
- B. Saka
Injury & Suspension Report
Everton
- K. Dewsbury-Hall – Injury
- M. Röhl – Groin Injury
- S. Coleman – Hamstring Injury
- J. Branthwaite – Hamstring Injury
- I. Ndiaye – International duty
- I. Gueye – International duty
Arsenal
- B. White – Injury
- Cristhian Mosquera – Ankle Injury
- M. Dowman – Ankle Injury
- K. Havertz – Knee Injury
- Gabriel Magalhães – Muscle Injury
Head-to-Head
These clubs share a long history across 211 meetings. Arsenal lead the series with 105 wins, Everton have 61 victories, and 45 matches have ended level. Recent encounters have been tight, averaging just over two goals per game across the last nine meetings, including a 1-1 draw in their most recent league match.
Match Analysis & Prediction
Everton’s home form has been defined by organized pressing and a measured build-up that looks to control rhythm through midfield links. They have scored eight times across their last five home matches, yet their average against comparable opposition sits at one goal for and 1.5 against, indicating that their proactive approach can leave spaces. Jordan Pickford’s influence remains central; five home clean sheets underline the defensive structure and leadership that stabilise Everton when games become cagey.
Arsenal enter with nine goals in their last five fixtures, including a narrow 2-1 victory over Wolves. Against similarly ranked sides this season, they have one draw and one defeat, averaging one scored and 1.5 conceded, which hints at mixed returns when the margins are fine. Away from home, David Raya has been a key pillar, keeping eight clean sheets in 12 away games and giving the Gunners a platform to manage tight scenarios on the road.
Tactically, the midfield battle looks decisive. Everton’s engine of J. Garner, J. Grealish, I. Gueye and T. Iroegbunam is set to contest second balls and keep passing lanes open to T. Barry and I. Ndiaye. For Arsenal, the trio of D. Rice, Martín Zubimendi and Mikel Merino can dictate tempo and protect the back line, with E. Eze linking to B. Saka and V. Gyokeres. If the expected light rain arrives, transitions and set-phase concentration become even more critical, with both sides likely to prioritise structure over risk.
Everton eye a Europa League spot as Toffees look to climb the Premier League table in Anfield’s shadow
A home win would strengthen Everton’s push toward European contention and add momentum to their current home pattern. The combination of Pickford’s consistency and a compact defensive shape gives them a clear identity in front of their supporters. Maintaining control in midfield and limiting turnovers will be essential against Arsenal’s efficient away setup.
Prediction: With Everton’s home resilience and Arsenal’s away defensive numbers, another tight contest is likely. Expect limited chances, disciplined structures and a result that mirrors recent trends. Draw, low-scoring — Everton 1-1 Arsenal.