Arsenal-Everton Preview

GEOFF McALLISTER,

(AP) -- LONDON (SE) - Manuel Almunia has warned his Arsenal teammates it is imperative the Gunners get off to a winning start at Everton on Saturday if they are to end their five-year wait for silverware.

Arsenal's status among the Premier League's 'Big Four' is under serious threat from Aston Villa, Tottenham, big-spending Manchester city and their weekend opponents.

Arsene Wenger's side also face a tricky Champions League qualifier with Scottish giants Celtic next week.

Spaniard Almunia said: "It is more important than ever we start well. We have to be totally focused and take a lot of points.

"We also have to be careful with the Champions League. It is not easy. The qualifications in previous years were not so difficult but this year it is difficult.

"I have expectation we will win something. People say this is a young squad but I look around the dressing room and everybody – except for me and a few others – is an international.

"We can be competitive in every competition. We don't need to worry. We just have to care about the attitude."

Wenger endured a difficult campaign last season as the Gunners came up short in their quest for a first trophy since their 2005 FA Cup final win over Manchester United.

The Frenchman came under fire from his own supporters as the Londoners threatened to miss out even on a top-four finish before an end of season revival.

Almunia insists Wenger still has the backing of the dressing room.

"The boss is very experienced and puts a lot of effort into doing things differently – in not spending money and giving opportunities to young people. I hope, and I think, he will be rewarded one day."

Everton midfielder Tim Cahill is backing want-away Joleon Lescott to remain professional in the wake of his transfer wrangle with Manchester City.

Lescott this week had a transfer request turned down by the Toffees as boss David Moyes continues to resists City's attempts to prise away the highly-rated England centre back.

It remains to be seen whether Moyes will pick Lescott for the clash with Arsenal.

Cahill said: "It is Catch 22 for the lad. Sometimes there once in a lifetime bids and it's astronomical money.

"But he is such a great professional and I know at the weekend he will give everything. It's very hard for footballers these days to be put in such a difficult position.

"He's a big player for Everton and England. If he goes, he goes, if he stays, he stays. But whatever decision he makes, I'll support him.

"We make decisions for our families and the one thing about Joleon is that he is a great professional."

Everton are confident striker Jo will win his battle to be fit for the season curtain raiser.

The Brazilian has been out since twisting an ankle in the 2-1 friendly defeat at Blackpool 10 days ago but Moyes said: "He is back running now but is only doing straight line work. He's not twisting and turning yet but we hope to do that kind of work with him in the next couple of days."

Updated August 13, 2009