Arsenal’s recent run of form has given the Gunners supporters much cause for optimism, with the north Londoners recording yet another victory this weekend.

Now, Arsene Wenger takes his in-form team to face Everton at Goodison Park in the hope of going top of the Premier League, ahead of Chelsea. Unlike in previous seasons, the Gunners look like serious title contenders and the form of Alexis Sanchez can only be inspiring the club to success.

Nonetheless, Everton host the Gunners hoping to end their recent run of embarrassing performances. Saturday’s defeat to Watford further highlighted the downward spiral the club have been on in the past few weeks, but Ronald Koeman’s side are no slouches on their day, with Romelu Lukaku one of the best goal-getters in English football.

Contests between these two typically bring goals, but neither manager will want a tennis match of a game when the duo meet tonight.

For Arsenal to overcome the Toffees, Wenger must pick this team to guarantee success.

GK: Petr Cech

It’s not even really an option for Wenger to drop Petr Cech as the goalkeeper continues to provide security at the back.

Cech must remain a leader in Wenger’s makeshift back four, which is now without Germany international Shkodran Mustafi.

The Czech ace has not lost to Everton since 2013.

RB: Hector Bellerin

On Saturday, Bellerin returned to the Arsenal first-team for the first time in almost two months. The loss of the Spaniard was a major blow, both defensively and going forward in the time he was away.

Bellerin’s task has been made easier at Goodison Park following a season-ending injury to Everton winger, Yannick Bolasie, who has been the Toffees’ most effective attacking option.

CB: Laurent Koscielny

With Mustafi ruled out of action for three weeks with a hamstring injury, the importance of Laurent Koscielny to this Gunners’ defence cannot be understated.

The France international has to combat the Romelu Lukaku without his German team-mate, with whom he has struck up a brilliant partnership.

Koscielny is more than capable of holding his own without Mustafi, but his mistakes must be kept to a minimum.

CB: Rob Holding

Now with Mustafi ruled out of action until the New Year, Wenger should give his vote of confidence to youngster Rob Holding.

At the moment, Gabriel Paulista is not deserving of a place in the first-team and offering Holding his chance to shine against Everton may prove a wise move by the Gunners manager.

Holding recently impressed during the Gunners 1-5 victory over FC Basel in the Champions League.

LB: Nacho Monreal

If Wenger decides to play Holding alongside Koscielny, he must also pick Monreal at left-back to give the youngster complete protection.

Monreal will be tasked with overcoming Kevin Mirallas, but shepherding Holding could be just as important for the Spaniard.

The left-back rarely neglects his defensive duties, so Holding would be in good hands.

CM: Granit Xhaka

One of the most significant battles between the two sides will be Granit Xhaka attempting to overcome Gareth Barry in midfield.

The two extremely physical players are set to lock horns with the victor likely to see his side come away with all three points.

Xhaka must keep his head and not allow his temper to get the better of him.

CM: Francis Coquelin

Oddly, many Gunners remain unsatisfied with the performances of Francis Coquelin lately.

Nonetheless, against a powerful Everton side, Coquelin’s physicality and energy could prove significant to Wenger’s plans.

Idrissa Gueye continues to impress in midfield and Coquelin and Xhaka will have to match the duo of the ex-Aston Villa man and Barry in the Everton engine room.

CAM: Mesut Ozil

The goalscoring form of Mesut Ozil is staggering. Again, Ozil scored for the Gunners this weekend in their victory over Stoke City.

Ozil has already notched up nine goals this season for Arsenal, and another against Everton would be warmly welcomed.

Ozil’s ability to find space and create chances for the Gunners’ front men could be too much to cope with for this fragile Everton side.

RW: Theo Walcott

Like Ozil, the goal-scoring form of Theo Walcott has been instrumental in recent weeks. The England international scored his 100th club career goal against Stoke City so going into the game against Everton, Walcott’s confidence will remain high.

The pace of the 27-year-old against the ageing Leighton Baines could be a key tool.

LW: Alex Iwobi

Iwobi scored the Gunners’ third in a 3-1 victory over Stoke on Saturday which could inspire the youngster to kick-on and hurt Everton once again at Goodison Park.

The Nigerian winger scored against the Toffees last season to secure Arsenal all three points. Wenger must pick Iwobi over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain as his directness will damage the fragile Everton defence even further.

ST: Alexis Sanchez

If there is one thing Arsenal fans want this Christmas, it’s Alexis Sanchez to put pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract.

His goals have inspired Arsenal’s title challenge and his role in this side remains vital to what Wenger wishes to achieve.

Considering his current form, God help Everton if they allow the Chile international space at Goodison Park.