Mark Lawrenson is backing Arsenal to beat Everton 2-0 this afternoon.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Arsenal will beat Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Arsenal head into the game having rediscovered their form of late, with the 2-0 midweek win over Sunderland making it seven wins in the last nine games for Arsene Wenger’s men.
However, the Gunners are still unlikely to break into the top four on the final day of the season, as they not only need to beat Everton, but also hope for favours from Middlesbrough or Watford, who take on Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
Wenger’s men will certainly need to serve up a better display than their last performance against Everton, having lost 2-1 against the Toffees at Goodison Park back in December.
Everton beat Watford 1-0 last weekend to end a run of three games without a win or a goal, with Ronald Koeman’s men now set to finish seventh in the Premier League table.
General view of the Emirates Stadium
Koeman will hope to end the season with a shock win at the Emirates Stadium, though some fans may feel conflicted, as a Toffees win would want rivals Liverpool a Champions League place.
Now, pundit Mark Lawrenson has offered his prediction for the game, telling BBC Sport that he thinks Arsenal will end their campaign with a 2-0 win over the Toffees.
Lawrenson doesn’t think that Arsenal’s FA Cup final obligations next weekend will play a key role in today’s clash, and whilst he thinks Everton will put up a good fight, he is backing Arsenal for the win.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger with Everton manager Ronald Koeman
“It appears Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is going to stay on for another year or two and, if that is the case, I am not sure why they have kept it such a big secret,” said Lawrenson. “So, it does not look like this will be Wenger’s final game at the Emirates Stadium, but it could be Alexis Sanchez’s – the future of the Gunners striker is still in doubt.”
“Arsenal have got next week’s FA Cup final to think about but I don’t think that will affect the result, because they can still finish in the top four and they have to go for the win in case Manchester City or Liverpool slip up. Everton will finish seventh whatever happens and they will make a game of it, but the Gunners are on a good run and I think they will come out on top. However, even if Arsenal do win, I think it will be too little, too late for Wenger’s side as far as making the Champions League places goes – I think Liverpool and City will both win,” he added.
What is your prediction for Arsenal v Everton?
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