Everton vs Arsenal EPL Matchday 18 Odds & Pick: Big Clubs on Relegation Watch
- On the Saturday before Christmas, Everton play host to Arsenal at Merseyside at 12:30 pm EST
- The two teams are struggling to get out of the bottom half of the table, as Everton and Arsenal sit in 16th and 10th place, respectively
- Surprisingly, the Toffees are the favorites over the Gunners with a moneyline of +135
On Saturday, the Premier League will test two of the most troubled teams in all of Europe currently, Everton and Arsenal. Both clubs are in turmoil and have found themselves much lower than they would have expected at this point in the campaign. Both sides looked extremely positive on paper before the start of the season but have just failed to put in quality performances under the likes of Marco Silva and Unai Emery.
However, now that both coaches have been sacked, it looks like Carlo Ancelloti and Mikel Arteta could be facing off this weekend.
Everton vs Arsenal Odds
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | pk -1 ½ , (-102) | +135 | Over 3 (-112) |
| Arsenal | pk +1½ (-118) | +179 | Under 3 (-108) |
| Draw | N/A | +390 | N/A |
Odds taken on Dec. 18
While the coaches will probably not be on the touchline, it will be an imperative game to instill a new winning culture into either of their new sides. Everton under Duncan Ferguson have looked the more positive side, defeating Chelsea by 3-1, and taking a point off of Manchester United at home.
Carlo Ancelotti’s move to Everton is done. Ancelotti is due on Merseyside in the next 24 hours and will be in the stands for Saturday’s match against Arsenal.
— David Anderson (@MirrorAnderson) December 18, 2019
Meanwhile, Freddy Ljungberg has failed to take control of a shameful Arsenal squad that has only been able to muster five points in six games between Europa League and Premier League play.
The Interim Manager Blues
While Arsenal is usually able to muster up a goal or two, their defense has been abysmal, letting in 27 goals over 17 games this season. There is absolutely no passion when they play, and most of the leadership on the pitch is carried by newly appointed captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang and youngster Matteo Guendouzi. Sokratis and Luiz have been a dreadful pairing in the back, and they will be lucky to stop a combination of Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison.
Nevertheless, Everton’s situation is not much better as they sit just three points above the relegation zone before Saturday’s match at Goodison Park. Furthermore, Ferguson might have done his bit to lose his dressing room too by subbing off young attacker Moise Keane in their match against Manchester United after less than just 20 minutes on the pitch.
However, if Ancelloti can get in the locker room and share some words of wisdom before the game, the Blues of Liverpool could be well on their way.
Everton vs Arsenal Statistics
| 16th (18 Points) | Standing in Premier League | 10th (22 Points) |
| 1.2 | Goals per game | 1.4 |
| 13.2 | Shots per game | 12.1 |
| 49.4% | Average Possession % | 54.1% |
Best Bet
For this match the best bet is Arsenal outright at +179. While this might seem risky, the value on picking Arsenal is tremendous and will allow you to almost double your bet. Surely, the Gunners have been on poor form, but they are due for a win, and especially knowing they will be getting Arteta soon, means that maybe there will be a mood shift in the locker room.
While the North London team has not been at its best, neither has Everton. Despite some good displays against some of the big boys, they are at the bottom of the table for a reason.
My Pick: Arsenal (+179)
Josh Ricker is a freelance sports journalist, currently attending the University of Southern Maine (Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Marketing). He has recently interned with the AA Portland Sea Dogs, and his work has been featured on Fansided, as well as now here on SBD.
