Everton are ‘going to be in a battle’ to avoid relegation from the Premier League this season, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Toffees only narrowly avoided the drop last term after enduring a torrid time under former manager Rafa Benitez and current boss Frank Lampard has been unable to completely transform their fortunes.
What is the latest news involving Everton?
At present, Everton are one of only two sides yet to pick up a single victory in the top-flight alongside Leicester City, who are marooned at the bottom of the table.
Lampard’s charges have struggled to find the back of the net in the early stages of 2022/23, scoring just four goals in their opening six league games with star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin still sidelined through injury.
However, there have been some positives for the Everton faithful to cling onto as they have also only lost twice and battled to a hard-earned point against local rivals Liverpool last time out.
The Goodison Park outfit will surely be hoping to build on their promising display in the Merseyside derby, especially as their deadline day signings will have had more time to settle.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and James Garner arrived from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United respectively, last Thursday and could significantly bolster Everton’s midfield options.
What has Jones said about Everton?
Everton are currently sitting in 16th position in the Premier League table and will be eager to convert a draw into three points as soon as possible.
But Jones has revealed that his is ‘not that convinced’ about the Blues’ ability just yet ahead of their trip to face league leaders Arsenal over the weekend.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “I'm actually not that convinced of Everton yet, I think they're going to be in a battle, but they could prove me wrong by going and getting a result at the Emirates.”
How could Everton line up against Arsenal?
Lampard is highly unlikely to alter a defensive unit that kept a clean sheet against Liverpool last time out, meaning Vitaliy Mykolenko, James Tarkowski, Conor Coady and Nathan Patterson will start ahead of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
Everton’s midfield could be subject to a slight change, though, as the return of Gueye may see Tom Davies drop to the bench while Amadou Onana and Alex Iwobi keep their place in the side.
And Calvert-Lewin’s continued fitness struggles is likely to result in a forward line of Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Neal Maupay, although Dwight McNeil will be hoping for a recall.