Arsenal travels to Merseyside for a crucial Premier League clash against Everton on Saturday, December 20, 2025. With an 8 pm GMT kick-off, the stakes are incredibly high. The Gunners are looking to secure their position at the top of the table for Christmas. However, this is no ordinary away day. The match marks Arsenal’s first-ever visit to Everton’s new home, the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This adds a layer of unpredictability to a fixture already rich with history. Everton, despite recent struggles, will be desperate to christen their new ground with a memorable victory against the league leaders.

Head-to-Head History Favours Gunners

Historically, Arsenal holds a significant advantage over Everton. In fact, the Gunners have won 102 of their 209 top-flight meetings. This is the most wins by one club against another in the history of English top-flight football. Everton’s recent form in this fixture also offers little comfort for the home fans. The Toffees are winless in their last five Premier League games against Arsenal.

Interestingly, both league encounters between the two sides last season ended in draws. This suggests that Everton can be a stubborn opponent. However, Arsenal’s overall dominance and current form make them clear favourites heading into this weekend’s match.

Team News: Everton Face Major Absences

A team’s performance often hinges on the availability of its key players. Unfortunately for Everton, they face a significant personnel crisis. This could heavily influence the game’s outcome. Arsenal, in contrast, appears to be in a much stronger position.

Toffees’ Troubles

Everton’s squad is stretched thin due to a combination of injuries and international duty. Consequently, manager David Moyes has some major selection headaches. The team will be without:

• Iliman Ndiaye (International duty – AFCON)
• Idrissa Gueye (International duty – AFCON)
• Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Injury)
• Jarrad Branthwaite (Long-term injury)
• Seamus Coleman (Long-term injury)

The absence of Ndiaye, Gueye, and Dewsbury-Hall is particularly damaging, as they have been crucial to Everton’s attack. On a positive note, Jack Grealish and Merlin Röhl are available for selection.

Arsenal’s Ambitions

Mikel Arteta’s side enters the match with momentum. Following a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Wolves, the team has recorded back-to-back wins. Securing another three points is vital, as it would guarantee them the coveted top spot for Christmas. Arteta has stressed the importance of focus for this tricky away fixture, especially at an unfamiliar ground.

What to Expect and Match Prediction

Given Everton’s depleted squad, pundits are widely predicting an Arsenal victory. The most common forecast is a 2-0 win for the visitors. Arsenal’s strong defence is expected to comfortably handle an Everton attack that is missing its most potent weapons. Furthermore, players like Leandro Trossard, who has a knack for scoring against Everton, will be a constant threat. Trossard has scored in his last two away games against the Toffees.

The atmosphere at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium will certainly give Everton a boost. Nevertheless, Arsenal’s quality and depth should prove too much for the home side. The Gunners know that a professional, disciplined performance will be enough to claim all three points and continue their title charge.

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Conclusion: A Pivotal Clash for Both Sides

This match is more than just another game; it’s a test of Arsenal’s title credentials and Everton’s resilience. With the Gunners flying high and aiming to solidify their place at the summit, the pressure is on. For Everton, overcoming their extensive injury list to secure a result would be a massive achievement. While the magic of a new stadium could play a part, all signs point towards a controlled and decisive victory for Arsenal, ensuring they celebrate Christmas from the top of the Premier League table.