Arsenal-Everton Preview

(AP) -- LONDON (SE) - Arsenal travel to Goodison Park to face Everton on Wednesday evening knowing that a win could see them move above local rivals Tottenham into third place in the Premier League.

The Gunners have won five league games in a row to narrow the gap between themselves and Spurs to just a single point, but manager Arsene Wenger has urged his players to concentrate on their own game and not get carried away.

"There are 10 games to go, but three games ago we were 10 points behind Tottenham," said Wenger. "Things can change quickly. You just want to be focused on your next game and give everything.

"There are games that you think will be difficult but they are slightly easier than expected, and sometimes the easy game is harder than expected.

"You don't make any plans. The only thing we know is what is needed from us: to be at our best no matter what people say about the situation.

"It is important to keep your squad available and keep your spirit, togetherness and teamwork at a very high level. Also you must maintain belief and not tighten up. Be relaxed, focused and determined.

"We have created the momentum, so let's take care of it. Keep the urgency high, the level of commitment high, then momentum can be an advantage for you."

Hosts Everton face a fixture pile-up after their 1-1 FA Cup draw with Sunderland, with the game against Arsenal being one of four matches in ten games for the Toffees. However, club captain Phil Neville is relishing the opportunity.

"It is great," enthused Neville. "The players absolutely love it. You ask any player, they would rather play than train.

"It is common knowledge the manager trains us hard - the games are actually easier. We are really looking forward to the next two weeks. I thought before the game on Saturday, 'This is why I am in football - to play in games like this'.

"The atmosphere on Wednesday night against Arsenal will be good. Then we go down to Swansea, then we have the replay, then West Brom. It is really mouth-watering. To say I am excited is an understatement."

Everton have concerns over Darron Gibson (knee), while Arsenal may be without Abou Diaby (hamstring). Per Mertesacker (ankle), Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Francis Coquelin (hamstring) remain out for the Gunners.

Everton failed to register a single shot on target in their loss against Arsenal at the Emirates earlier in the season, and the Toffees have lost seven of their last nine against Wednesday's visitors. Arsenal have scored 80 goals against Everton in the Premier League - more than they have managed against any other club. The Gunners have recovered 19 points from losing positions this season (a league high) and have won each of their last four games despite conceding the opening goal - an EPL record.

Updated March 19, 2012