Sean Dyche will take charge of his first game as Everton manager on Saturday, as his side face a visit from Premier League leaders Arsenal. 

The Gunners come into the match off the back of their 1-0 FA Cup exit against Manchester City. Although in the league, the North Londoners are yet to lose since the end of the World Cup.

On the other hand, Everton currently sit 19th in the Premier League, having only won three games so far this season.

The Toffees don't present an easy challenge for Arsenal though, as the Gunners have not won at Goodison Park in over five years. 

In fact, the last time that Arsenal won away at Everton, legendary manager Arsene Wenger was still in charge of the club, with the Frenchman overseeing a 5-2 win for his side.

Despite that fact, current manager, Mikel Arteta, will be in high spirits coming into the game, after picking up the Premier League 'Manager of the Month' award for the second successive month, and the third time this season.

The last time the two sides met ended in a 5-1 victory for Arsenal in the final game of the 2021/22 season at the Emirates Stadium.

  • Team news

Everton

Dyche will be without James Garner, Nathan Patterson and Andros Townsend for his maiden game in charge of the club. 

The inclusion of defenders Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane is also questionable as the pair are both still recovering from respective knee injuries. 

Arsenal

Emile Smith Rowe joins Arsenal's long term absentees Gabriel Jesus, Mohamed Elneny and Reiss Nelson on the sidelines, as confirmed by Arteta in his press conference before the match. 

The 22-year-old has struggled with a long term thigh injury for the majority of the season. 

Following his early substitution against Manchester City in the FA Cup, Thomas Partey is also a doubt with a suspected chest injury.

His exclusion could mean Jorginho is potentially in line for his first start for the club, following his deadline day transfer from London rivals Chelsea.

  •  Likely lineups

Everton

Pickford; Mykolenko, Tarkowski, Coady, Mina, Coleman; Gray, Gueye, Onana, Iwobi; Calvert-lewin 

Arsenal

Ramsdale; Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White; Jorginho, Xhaka, Odegaard; Martinelli, Saka, Nketiah 

  • Key Players

Everton: Jordan Pickford 

Despite Everton's league position, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford has been one of the standout players for the Toffees. 

Pickford has made a number of great stops this season, and has been able to save his side from some potentially embarrassing score lines.

The England international is a leader on and off the pitch - often seen bellowing instructions or shouting words of encouragement to his teammates. 

The 28-year-old has not been done any favours by Everton's leaky defence, but if they are to pick up any points against Arsenal, their no.1 will be key. 

Arsenal: Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has played in a different position this season, with Arteta opting to play him more as a box-to-box midfielder. 

With the potential absence of Partey in the Arsenal midfield for this game, the Swiss midfielder needs to step up in the middle of the park. 

The 30-year-old has enjoyed his best season at the club this year, and has an impressive tally of eight goal contributions in the league so far. 

It is safe to say that Arsenal are not as good when he is not on the pitch, and he will be integral to any success for Arteta's men at Goodison Park.

  •  Match details

Where is the game being played?

The game is being played at Everton's Goodison Park stadium in Liverpool.

What time is kick-off?

The match kicks-off at 12:30pm [GMT] on Saturday, 4th of February.

Where can I watch?

The game will be shown live on BT Sport 1 for viewers inside the UK, with coverage of the match starting at 11:30am [GMT].

BT Sport customers will also be able to stream the match live on the BT Sport website and mobile app.