Match Previews

League form awful and Arteta on verge of sacking. Eliminated 2 very strong opponents in League Cup already. Partey sidelined. Aubameyang also out. Gabriel back from ban, but Xhaka remains suspended.

Arsenal with yet another Premier League defeat on Saturday when losing 1:2 on visit to Everton. Holding’s own goal played huge part in outcome and inexplicably gaffer keeps using Holding when he had shown pathetic form for several months now.

With just 2 points from last 7 games in league Gunners hanging just above relegation zone and their moral very low, while coach Arteta could be sacked any day now.

So far faced 2 very tough rounds in League Cup, but 2 clean sheets helped them progress. First beat Leicester 2:0 away and then hold off Liverpool to 0:0 draw at Anfield to win on penalties.

Coach Arteta won't be risking captain Aubameyang in this game, hoping he could be fit again for Boxing Day.

Returning from ban Gabriel should start in defence, but Xhaka still serves lengthy ban. Also Partey remains in rehabilitation.

Young winger Martinelli came off bench at weekend after 10-month absence and in desperate search of spark he could be given surprised start in this one as his speed vs. Everton caused problems.

"The atmosphere is good, as good as it can be when we are all hurting because results in the Premier League are hurting us. Everyone is worried and everybody is suffering because we want much more. We are working to get much more. In the dressing room when you are losing football matches it is difficult because they suffer as well because they care, because they want more, because the confidence level starts to go, but the unity is there.