Liverpool Predicted Lineup v Arsenal | Premier League
Liverpool are set to face off against Arsenal at The Emirates Stadium in London this weekend in week 9 of the Premier League schedule. Liverpool sit at the top of the Premier League with Arsenal sitting in third, four points behind the Reds. A win pushing them seven points clear of the Gunners at the top of the table, and remaining one point clear of Manchester City - provided they defeat Southampton.
The Reds come into this game on the back of eleven wins from a total of twelve games and currently have an eight-game win streak having now suffered defeat since the loss to Nottingham Forest in the middle of September.
Arsenal, however, enters this game in much rockier circumstances, having lost a number of key players to injury over the last few weeks and currently missing their star center-back William Saliba through suspension, the Gunners' starting XI is going to look very different to what we've become accustomed to.
TEAM NEWS
Arsenal
The London side are set to be without several players for this game due to injury and suspension. The most notable of this bunch is star defender, William Saliba. The Frenchman picked up a suspension following a red card offense in the 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend. Other absentees might include the likes of Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber all of which did not train yesterday. It must be said however that the Gunners boss, Mikel Arteta, has been incredibly coy about the status of these players and if they are officially ruled out or not. Unfortunately, we won't know until the teams are announced on Sunday.
Liverpool
Liverpool enter this clash relatively healthy, all things considered. Arne Slot revealed in his press conference on Friday that some will be back to training soon, namely recent signing Federico Chiesa and young right-back, Conor Bradley. Diogo Jota was ruled out following a bruised rib suffered during the clash with Chelsea last weekend, and Alisson Becker was confirmed to at least not be available for this match and the back-to-back with Brighton. It was also revealed by James Pearce that Trent Alexander-Arnold is suffering from a muscle issue which scans revealed was 'manageable'.
Here's how we think both teams line up on Sunday.
Predicted Teams
Arsenal - (4-2-2-2)
Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino; Saka, Martinelli; Havertz, Trossard
Liverpool - (4-2-3-1)
GK: Caoimhin Kelleher - With Alisson still out of action and worries he may not be back until closer to the next international break at the end of November. The 25-year-old Irishman takes the helm again. Following incredible performances at both Chelsea and RB Leipzig in the last week, he looks set to continue his stunning form in the biggest game of the year so far.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - After being substituted earlier than most would suspect in the game against RB Leipzig, most assumed it was for rest reasons for this weekend, but it was revealed that the Scouser has been dealing with some muscle issues that are being managed. With Conor Bradley also missing in action due to an injury of his own, we can little afford to lose our big gun in the next run in of games.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté - Continuing his ridiculous start to the season, Ibou will need to be on top form this weekend as Arsenal and their set-piece antics will pose a threat. His aerial win rate percentage of 80%+ (the highest among all center-backs) will be at the forefront of the Red's defense against the Gunners.
CB: Virgil van Dijk - What is utterly hilarious about Big Virg is the fact this man is putting in world-class performances each week and it's going unnoticed because this is just the accepted normality for a player of his caliber. Both he and his partner, Ibou, will not have an easy time of it defending every set piece from this Arsenal team.
LB: Andrew Robertson - Rested midweek and allowed Konstas Tsimikas to take over for a game, Robertson will have it all to do with his side of the field set to be defending against Arsenal's Bukayo Saka. It remains to be seen if the young Englishman will play in this game, and will Arteta risk worsening any injury he may have. But, if the Gunners manager is anything like his old boss, Pep Guardiola, Saka will be in this game and Robbo will need to be on top form.
CDM: Ryan Gravenberch - The young Dutchman has become a consistent presence in the center of the pitch, putting in performance after performance as a top defensive midfielder. It's like he woke up at the start of the season and decided he would become the best midfielder in the league. I expect another controlling performance from the young man. Scary to think he's only 22 years old.
CDM: Alexis Mac Allister - The unsung hero of the midfield, quietly producing game after game, controlling the tempo and midfield flow, and allowing others around him to thrive. He does all the small things and simple things right, which allows for our midfield to be one of the best this season. Watch him in his entirety this game and I promise you, you will see what the rest of us see.
RW: Mohamed Salah - The Egyptian King has been on fire this season with seven goals and seven assists in twelve games. Only behind Arsenal's Bukayo Saka in total assists this season. Considering Arsenal's depleted backline, I expect our forwards, Salah especially, to feast. He will be facing a young Lewis-Skelly in this game, and I feel sorry for the young man to face Mo in this run of form.
CAM: Dominik Szoboszlai - An improved performance in the last clash with RB Leipzig, improving further on the performance with Chelsea last weekend. We seen midweek that Dom has the ability to help us break down low blocks, which we suspect with be a staple of this game given the defensive issues with Arsenal. Those quick little link up passes and short one-two moves will be crucial if we are to break down this Arsenal defence.
LW: Luis Diaz - Rested midweek, Lucho will be a big part of our attack this weekend. If our prediction for Arsenal is right, he will either be facing Thomas Partey at right-back or Jurrien Timber/Jakub Kiwior. Arsenal may place Ben White on that side purely to deal with the Colombian's pace, but then that leaves the central channels free for the likes of Darwin Núñez to crash the box and run in behind.
ST: Darwin Núñez - Following back-to-back great performances, with a ridiculous work ethic against Chelsea and a poacher mentality against RB Leipzig for the winning goal, Darwin enters this game with a golden opportunity to cement his position as the starting striker in Diogo Jota's absence. With Arsenal's defense severely lacking size and muscle outside of Gabriel Magalhães, Núñez has a great opportunity to use his physical attributes, his pace, his height, his aerial ability, and his work rate, to run circles around the Gunners defenders. Very excited to see him this weekend.
Key Players
Arsenal - Gabriel Magalhães
With Arsenal's defense depleted in the way that it is, Gabriel will have it all to do with Liverpool's attack bearing down on him. A makeshift back four he will need to keep organized and mistake-free for them to come away with a clean sheet here.
Liverpool - Darwin Núñez
Núñez has the chance to solidify his place in the starting XI this game, with the defense as shakey as it is right now for the Gunners, Darwin's pace and strength should be used to full effect, along with his work ethic getting back into midfield and winning duels everywhere on the pitch. His height and aerial ability will be needed on defending set pieces, but I can see him bagging a goal or an assist in this game and continuing his run of form over the last two games.
Match Details
Where?
Emirates Stadium, London, UK
Time?
16:30 GMT Kick-Off
Match Officials?
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn. Fourth official: Sam Barrott. VAR: Michael Salisbury. Assistant VAR: Darren Cann.
Previous Results?
In the last 36 meetings between the two teams, Liverpool have dominated this fixture with 14 wins, Arsenal with 8 wins, and on 14 occasions the fixture ended in a draw.
Match Predictions: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
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