MATCHDAY: Benitez under pressure as Everton welcomes Arsenal

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Everton head coach Rafael Benitez, center, leaves the pitch at the end of the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park in Liverpool, England on Wednesday 1 December 2021. Liverpool won 4-1. (AP Photo / Jon Super)
PA
A look at what’s going on in European football on Monday:
ENGLAND
After a beating from his former club in the Merseyside derby, Everton manager Rafa Benitez is under increasing pressure as a home game draws near against Arsenal which will close the Premier League’s 15th round of games. Everton have collected just two of a possible 24 points in their last eight games and have plunged to 16th place, five points above the relegation zone. Arsenal have also just lost, to Manchester United. A victory will lift Arsenal to fifth place.
SPAIN
Midtable Athletic Bilbao try to end a six-game winless streak in the Spanish league when they visit penultimate Getafe. Athletic have lost four of their last six games, including 1-0 to league leaders Real Madrid in the previous round. Getafe have struggled this season but have lost only once in their last five league games. Getafe have two wins in their last four league games.
ITALY
Cagliari, threatened with relegation, recently improved and ended a four-game losing streak with three consecutive draws. But he’s only won just one of his 15 Serie A matches yet and is mired in the drop zone. He welcomes Turin, who blasted a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw against Empoli in midweek. Midtable Empoli welcomes Udinese, who moved away from the relegation zone after two draws, including a credible 4-4 draw against Lazio.
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