ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL: PREDICTED LINEUP

Liverpool head to the Emirates stadium tomorrow for a tough assignment against an in form Arsenal side. Arteta’s men are flying high after a barnstorming start to the season whilst the Reds have struggled to find consistency.

For a match preview, you can head over here. Read on for the predicted XI and how we see Jürgen Klopp lining his side up for the encounter.

A new formation last time out seemed to breathe new life into Liverpool as Rangers were comfortably brushed aside at Anfield. The 4-4-2 setup saw the manager sacrifice one midfielder for an extra forward.

This meant the onus wasn’t solely on the fullbacks to create, with Trent playing in a withdrawn role at right back and the four forwards fending for themselves pretty much. Whether the manager will choose to stick to this setup against a confident Arsenal side remains to be seen.

In goal will be Alisson Becker. The Brazilian has been in superb form recently and will definitely have to be at his best if he’s to keep his fellow countrymen Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus at bay.

In the backline, there is unlikely to be any changes. Konaté’s return to fitness is a boost but the Frenchman will probably get his first minutes of the campaign at Ibrox on Wednesday night. Same goes for summer signing Calvin Ramsay.

Robertson’s continued absence means Tsimikas will make a fourth consecutive start at left back. This run of games is ideal for the Greek to get into rhythm, and he is sure to be tested by the precocious Bukayo Saka.

The manager has a huge decision to make in the middle of the park. A two man double pivot or a three man midfield? The 4-3-3 has not looked fit for purpose this campaign, with teams regularly exploiting Liverpool’s high line due to a less than effective press.

With Thiago not pictured in training yesterday, the gaffer may be leaning towards a double pivot of Fabinho and Henderson. Starting Harvey Elliott as the right sided midfielder could see Trent exposed against the direct Martinelli.

The midfield was a cause for concern all summer and the club is paying for their lax behaviour towards strengthening. It was revealed earlier today that Deadline Day loan signing is out for three to four months with injury, joining Ox and Keita on the sidelines.

The remaining options are 36 year old James Milner and teenager Fabio Carvalho. Curtis Jones has of course returned to training, but having not played since a late cameo in the Community Shield, will not be thrown straight in here. Fingers crossed Thiago is fit.

Upfront, the only change could be Bobby for Darwin. This would see Jota lead the line, with the Brazilian playing in the hole. Firmino has less than a year left on his contract and is doing everything in his power to earn himself a new deal.

The 31 year old is the Reds’ topscorer and joint top assist provider in the league this season. In fact, only Erling Haaland (1.79) is averaging a higher goal per game ratio than Firmino (1.07) in the Premier League this season.

Bobby in the number ten role is a tactical tweak that has long been overdue. The fact that he’s got a terrific record against Arsenal (just like Jota and Salah) doesn’t hurt either. He will have to help out the midfield duo when the side is defending but that’s one area of his game that’s never lacked.

Darwin Nunez dropping to the bench isn’t a slight on him as he played well on Tuesday night. He might still have a role to play off the bench, as he’s shown himself to be a bit of a chaos magnet. That could prove key as the game wears on.

It’s perhaps bold to field four forwards away to Arsenal but fortune favours the brave. Maybe the best form of defence will be to go all out attack. Failing that, we could see all three of Fabinho, Henderson and Thiago in a midfield three, with Bobby dropping to the bench.

Predicted team:

Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas, Fabinho, Thiago, Salah, Firmino, Diaz, Jota.

Subs: Adrian, Gomez, Konaté, Henderson, Milner, Jones, Elliott, Carvalho, Darwin.