Carragher predicts 'no problems' for Arsenal against Everton
Jamie Carragher does not expect Arsenal to have much trouble this weekend. The former Liverpool defender has backed Mikel Arteta's side to beat Everton with relative ease, dismissing any notion that David Moyes's team could cause an upset.
Arsenal travel into the fixture looking to maintain their momentum in the Premier League title race, with Manchester City still lurking as the chief threat to their ambitions. Dropped points against a mid table side would hand City an opportunity Arteta will be desperate to avoid.
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Carragher's weekend predictions
Carragher gave his verdict on several of this weekend's Premier League fixtures, and he was unequivocal about Arsenal's chances against Everton. Speaking in comments reported by the Metro, he said: 'What a cracking line up we have in the Premier League this weekend. I don't think Arsenal will have any problems beating Everton especially given how strong they've been this season.'
He also predicted that Liverpool would end Brighton's winning streak at Anfield, and tipped Chelsea to beat Spurs at home on Saturday.
Moyes's Everton will not make it easy
Despite Carragher's confidence, Everton under David Moyes have shown they can be competitive against stronger opposition this season. The Toffees have talent in their squad capable of testing Arsenal if the Gunners drop their intensity, and Moyes will have his side organised and ready to frustrate the league's title contenders.
Arteta is unlikely to take the opponents lightly regardless of outside predictions. The Spaniard has consistently stressed the importance of respecting every fixture, and will want his players to approach the game with discipline and attacking purpose rather than assuming the three points are already secured.
Arsenal's recent form has been a major factor in the growing confidence around the club, with performances this season giving pundits like Carragher reason to back them strongly in matches like this. Maintaining that level of consistency will be key if Arsenal are to keep pace with City over the course of the campaign.
A win against Everton would not only extend Arsenal's current form but also send a message to their title rivals that there is little margin for complacency. Arteta's side will be aiming to translate the external confidence into another three points on matchday.
