Mikel Arteta expects difficult Everton test

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta is expecting a thorough examination from former club Everton when they visit the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The Spanish midfielder, who left Goodison Park for the Gunners in a £10m deal two years ago, believes that the Toffees' 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday will have inspired confidence within his former teammates.

"We are going to face a very difficult team for sure," The Guardian quotes the 31-year-old as saying.

"I think Everton deserve to be up there and beating United is going to be massively important for them, it is going to boost their confidence.

"I know Roberto Martínez well and he is the type of manager that wants to take risks and make his players play good football so hopefully we can watch a nice game on Sunday."

The North Londoners are top of the Premier League, while the Blues are seven points behind in fifth.