Preview: Arsenal vs. Everton

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will be without midfielder Jack Wilshere for the visit of Everton on Sunday afternoon.

Earlier this week, Wenger had indicated that the 23-year-old would be available for the match at the Emirates Stadium, but a minor ankle injury means that the England international remains sidelined.

Wenger also has doubts over Aaron Ramsey and Mathieu Flamini, while there are places available in defence and attack after Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Monaco on Wednesday night.

Calum Chambers is pushing for a start, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott are in contention to replace Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck.

Despite a win guaranteeing that they retain third spot, Wenger will have concerns about the frailties shown in the Champions League and only three points will be enough to ease the tension around North London.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez will be hoping to see more consistency from his side when they take to the pitch at the weekend.

The Toffees have been superb in the Europa League, defeating Young Boys 7-2 on aggregate to reach the last 16, but just one win in six games has resulted in discontent on Merseyside.

Everton aren't expected to be candidates for relegation, but they sit just six points above the drop zone and they require wins to secure their Premier League status.

Striker Romelu Lukaku is expected to be fit despite a hamstring issue in midweek, Aaron Lennon is available after being cup-tied for European action and John Stones will return to the defence after suspension.

Arsenal:

Form in Premier League: WWWLWW Form in all competitions: WLWWWL

Possible starting lineup: Ospina; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil, Welbeck; Sanchez, Giroud

Everton:

Form in Premier League: DDWDLD Form in all competitions: WDLWDW

Possible starting lineup: Howard, Baines, Stones, Jagielka, Coleman, McCarthy, Barry, Barkley, Mirallas, Lennon, Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 3-1