LIVERPOOL VS ARSENAL: PREVIEW

Liverpool host Arsenal this Saturday (5:30pm GMT) as the PL returns with a bang after yet another international break. After defeat to West Ham last time out, the Reds are looking to bounce back against an Arsenal side in amazing form. Liverpool have fallen four points off the pace and lie 4th. Arsenal come into the encounter two points and a place behind their opponents, with a chance to leapfrog them.

They’re currently on a four game winning streak, with their unbeaten run in all competitions standing at ten games. Their last defeat came in the heavy 5-0 drubbing away at Manchester City in August. It is the kind of run that instills confidence, and Arteta and his players have all enjoyed a jolt of confidence. No longer is he answering questions about his future, and his star players are back on form.

Mikel Arteta survived a barrage of criticism after a poor start to the season saw Arsenal lose their opening three league games. Since beating North London rivals Spurs, they’ve managed to put together an impressive unbeaten run that sees them in and amongst it, in the race to finish top four. They will move up to 4th with a win here, testament to their turnaround.

Liverpool beat Arsenal home and away last season, with Diogo Jota scoring three times across the two fixtures (with the first one coming in his debut). Jürgen Klopp has an excellent record against Arsenal, with his only loss coming in a 2-1 defeat at the Emirates when the title was already wrapped up (two penalty shootout defeats in the Community Shield and Carabao Cup aside).

Liverpool will be keen to kickstart another long run after seeing their proud unbeaten run go up in smoke at the London stadium. They will have to be at their best to turn over an Arsenal side that has been impressive in recent weeks, especially in notching a win at the King Power stadium. Liverpool have beaten the Gunners in each of the last five home league games however, winning by a combined score of 18-4.

They will be confident of victory, especially with a vociferous Anfield crowd behind them. Under the lights at Anfield is just a different kind of game. Almost like the whole stadium saves their best for such occasions. It should make for a hostile atmosphere and possibly a brilliant game of football. Expect the home side to hog possession and the visitors to seek to hit on the counter and make use of set pieces.

Team News

For Liverpool, Elliott, Gomez ,Jones, Milner, Firmino and Keita are all ruled out. Henderson, Robertson and Origi will also be assessed ahead of the game after picking up knocks on international duty. That’s just two short of being a whole starting XI either out or doubtful! For Arsenal, Xhaka and Kolasinac are ruled out with injury, whilst Partey is expected to overcome a groin issue.

Key Players

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent is enjoying another stellar season and is second only to Bruno Fernandes in the entire league for chances created. He’s provided 4 league assists this term as he looks to break his own record. He netted a sweet free kick in defeat to West Ham and comes into this clash in a rich vein of form. He’s provided seven assists in his last five starts for club and country. Ridiculous numbers for a defender.

Mohamed Salah

Salah is the topscorer in the Premier League this season with 10 goals. He’s also the joint leading assist provider with 7 (level with Pogba), and was rightly named PL Player of the month for October. He has a prolific record against Arsenal, with 8 goal involvements in 9 games (6 goals, 2 assists). However, he is currently without a goal in any of his last 5 appearances for club and country, a run he’ll want to end.

Emile Smith-Rowe

The 21 year old has been Arsenal’s best player this season. He took over the number 10 shirt in the summer after signing a new contract, and has been delivering performances worthy of the shirt. He’s even broken into the England team, scoring his maiden goal for the Three Lions last time out. He’s got 6 goal involvements in his last 6 appearances for club and country (4 goals, 2 assists).