It's hard to think that a month ago we were well and truly in the title race and now today we find ourselves playing a game which is crucial to obtaining a Champions League place. Everton have been in top form recently and we well, we haven't. A loss today and it's totally out of our hands. A win and we control our fate, just. Goodison Park has not been a happy hunting ground for teams this season and Everton's record there is very good.
There is no doubt we'll need to on top form to get anything from the game and we've been given a small boost ahead of our trip. Aaron Ramsey has been declared fit to play although I doubt we'll see him start it will certainly lift the team. Monreal is back and will probably fill in at left back as Gibbs is a doubt. Koscielny is out so I would assume Vermaelen will slot in alongside Mertesacker. In the midfield Wenger has options and no doubt Podolski will be hoping to start, although with the Ox also in contention Cazorla could be pushed out to the left.
Everton have far fewer injuries than me, but Ross Barley looks set to recover from a knock. Jagielka on the other hand looks set to miss out today, meaning Stones could step in. They have a plethora of players to pick from up top with Mirallas, McGeady, Deulofeu etc. Their main striker of course will be Lukaku who's on form at the moment. Containing them will be difficult and the defence will have to be sharp today if we're to get anything from the game.
Some will point to the fact Everton have some tough games remaining but I'm still concerned that we could blow it today. If we get a result it's still within our hands although a draw assuming Everton win their game in hand will leave them just one point behind us. This is the last game in the so called deathrun but it's getting to that silly stage of the season and every point counts.
We'll just have to wait and see what happens today.
