Gunners’ Goodison trip to test Arsenal aptitude

Arsenal’s biggest test of the season so far is set to be presented to them at Goodison Park, as Everton (at 17/10) attempt to improve on a 2-2 draw away at Leicester City last time out.

Calum Chambers, 19, can come of age in style by keeping Belgian centre forward Romelu Lukaku quiet, with Everton’s £28m signing 6/4 to find the net anytime.

In the two matches he has played for the Gunners so far, former Southampton starlet Chambers has been a stand-out performer at centre back, in Per Mertesacker’s absence. The giant German, who retired from international football after winning the World Cup this summer, could return, however.

Away side Arsenal are 6/4 for victory, though the Toffees could be their sticking point. Despite Ross Barkley being missing for Everton due to injury, Aiden McGeady (11/1 to score first) and Steven Naismith (13/2) impressed against the Foxes.

Aaron Ramsey, who netted a stoppage time winner against Crystal Palace before getting sent off in Europe for two bookable offences against Besiktas, is 8/1 to repeat that feat and score last. Arsene Wenger has said his German World Cup winning contingent will be available for the trip to Merseyside, so Mesut Ozil along with Lukas Podolski are expected join Mertesacker in Arsenal’s squad.

Olivier Giroud has been disappointing so far this term; however, this could have been exacerbated by Ozil’s extended rest, who picked out the centre forward’s runs on multiple occasions last term. The Frenchman is 2/1 to notch in the anytime market, and could be successful from set pieces, with Everton conceding both goals against Leicester.

For the home side, midfielder Darron Gibson could return from a cruciate ligament injury, however Arouna Kone and Bryan Oviedo will keep Barkley company on the sidelines.

Wenger must decide who will replace injured skipper Mikel Arteta, and the match may determine whether the Gunners boss makes another foray into the market with just over a week before transfer deadline day. Jack Wilshere could be the Spaniard’s replacement, however Abou Diaby is available again after an another lengthy layoff.

Alexis Sanchez is still looking for his first competitive Arsenal goal and, following his assist against Palace, is 8/1 to open the scoring.