Vermaelen - Belgium duo will be a threat

Thomas Vermaelen will be up against some familiar opponents tonight with two of his Belgium team-mates playing for visitors Everton.

The Belgians have been in excellent form, and look well placed to qualify for next year's World Cup. Forward Kevin Mirallas and midfielder Marouane Fellaini have been integral to their progress, and Vermaelen has warned that their influence will need to be curbed as Arsenal look for three vital points.

He told the official matchday programme: "Mirallas is a really lively player, one I really like playing alongside. When he has the ball he always wants to make things happen. He’s really tricky, plays with confidence, and is a handful. He was injured for a while but seems to be doing well know, and is a player who always gives 100 per cent - so we’ll have to be aware of him.

"Fellaini is very well known these days, and can contribute all over the pitch. His height makes him good defensively, but he’s also dangerous playing behind the striker and in other midfield positions. His passing has improved and he’s unbelievably strong physically, so he’s another that we will keep a close eye on."

Everton's visits to Emirates are always close-run affairs - although David Moyes' side have yet to win at Arsenal's new home - and Vermaelen expects nothing different tonight, while remaining confident that the hosts can come out on top.

"I’m looking forward to Everton’s visit," he said. "It’s always a good game against them - they have been right up there in the last few years and make it tough every time.

"But we’re on a good run and feel confident. They’ll be saying about us the same as we are about them, that it won’t be easy to face us, so I’m confident that if we play our own game we can take the points."