BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson predicts Everton v Arsenal, suggests something which may help Ronald Koeman

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Everton take on Arsenal in the Premier League this afternoon.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Everton and Arsenal will play out a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park this afternoon.

The Toffees head into the game in miserable form, and that was again apparently on Thursday evening, when they lost 2-1 at home to Lyon in the Europa League.

In the Premier League, Everton needed a late Wayne Rooney penalty to pick up a 1-1 draw at Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend, and manager Ronald Koeman remains under pressure after just two wins in eight games this season.

Arsene Wenger, Manager of Arsenal looks on as Ronald Koeman, Manager of Everton directs his players

With poor defending and an ineffectual attack, it’s hard to see just how Everton will turn their season around, but they will hope to find away against an Arsenal side who haven’t travelled well this season.

Last weekend’s last-gasp 2-1 defeat at Watford means that Arsenal have taken just one point from four away Premier League games this season, scoring just once whilst conceding seven goals.

Arsene Wenger needs a better showing this time, and should have a fresh squad to choose from having rested a host of big names for Thursday’s Europa League clash against Red Star Belgrade.

There are clear weaknesses in both sides as they look to buck respective results, but pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he believes that the two sides will draw 1-1 at Goodison Park today.

Larenson added that Everton do have more to worry about than Arsenal right now, as they are unbalanced and short of goals, whereas Arsenal’s issues are more related to physicality.

“Both of these teams have issues, but Everton probably have more to worry about,” said Lawrenson. “Arsenal can be undone when teams attack them and play physically, like Watford did last week, but you would not look at the Gunners and say they are unbalanced or short of goals like Everton are.”

“I think what will help the Toffees on Saturday is that Goodison Park will be roaring – it always is against the big teams. There will be a different atmosphere to when Everton have played, say, Bournemouth or Burnley this season, and I think it will give them some much-needed impetus,” he added.