Everton will be looking to strengthen their grip on fifth place when they visit Arsenal on Sunday.
Toffees aim to close in on European qualification
Everton will be looking to strengthen their grip on fifth place when they visit Arsenal on Sunday.
The Toffees are in pole position to qualify for the Uefa Cup as they are three points clear of Aston Villa heading into the final two games of the season.
They missed out on the chance to kill off Villa's European hopes last week as they twice let the Midlanders come from behind to claim a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.
And although Everton have not claimed an away win against Arsenal since 1996, David Moyes' men will be determined to get something at Emirates Stadium to ensure they remain clear of Villa in the hunt for Europe heading into the final game.
Arsenal have now secured third place and although they can still mathematically win the title, both Manchester United and Chelsea would have to go winless in their last two games.
Van Persie rested
The Gunners are looking to finish strongly as Arsene Wenger sets his sights on bouncing back next season and they were in rampant mood against doomed Derby on Monday as they romped to a 6-2 win at Pride Park.
Emmanuel Adebayor, who was this week linked with a move to Milan, came off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick and the Togo striker may launch a late bid to snatch the golden boot off Cristiano Ronaldo after moving within four goals of the Manchester United star.
Adebayor replaced Robin van Persie at half-time and the Dutch striker will be rested for the visit of Everton after sustaining a thigh injury at Derby.
Mathieu Flamini, who is still to decide his future with his Arsenal contract expiring this summer, could return on the bench after recovering from an ankle problem.
Arteta blow
Everton have been dealt a blow with the news that Mikel Arteta is out for the last two games of the season.
The Spanish midfielder recently had treatment on a groin and stomach injury and returned as a second-half substitute last week but reported further problems in training this week.
Moyes also has slight doubts over striker Andrew Johnson (calf) and midfielder Steven Pienaar (knee).
