Everton have confirmed that Duncan Ferguson will manage their team against Arsenal on Saturday, as they close in on Carlo Ancelotti.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 18: Interim Everton Manager, Duncan Ferguson celebrates his sides second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Everton FC and Leicester FC at Goodison Park on December 18, 2019, in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 18: Interim Everton Manager, Duncan Ferguson celebrates his sides second goal during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Everton FC and Leicester FC at Goodison Park on December 18, 2019, in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Everton posted on their website on Thursday to confirm they’re keeping Duncan Ferguson as caretaker manager for their clash against Arsenal on Saturday. Coach John Ebbrell, former Gunner Francis Jeffers and goalkeeper coach Alan Kelly will join him.

The BBC write that Everton are closing in on Carlo Ancelotti as their next manager. Ancelotti still hasn’t signed the lucrative long-term offer on the table at this stage. He held talks with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in London this week.

They’re still agreeing the details and it’s possible Ancelotti will watch the Arsenal game from the stands on Saturday. For now, however, Ferguson remains in charge.

Arsenal are in a very similar situation, with Freddie Ljungberg taking charge of the Everton game despite the incoming Mikel Arteta. It’s very possible Arteta and Ancelotti will both sit in the stands watching their new teams.

Everton are in good form going into the game. In the league, they beat Chelsea 3-1 and drew 1-1 away to Manchester United under Ferguson. Most recently, a 2-2 League Cup draw against Leicester ended with a penalty-shootout elimination.

It’s not going to be an easy game, regardless of the managerial situation.