EFL Cup 2021-22: Liverpool vs Arsenal Match Preview
Liverpool this season have a realistic chance of lifting the EFL Cup as the Reds host Arsenal for the 1st leg of the semi-finals at Anfield.
The Merseyside giants will be looking to kick start the season again with a bang with complete focus on the game. Lately, Klopp & Co. went through a rough run of games.
Moreover, now the controversy is surrounding a batch of the false-positive COVID-19 tests in Liverpool camp.
EFL Cup: Liverpool vs Arsenal – Preview
Recently, Jurgen Klopp admitted that most of Liverpool’s cases were false positives. The news has not been well received by other clubs.
Also, it is because of those tests that the first leg between Arsenal and Liverpool led to the postponement. And now there is the notion that Liverpool could face investigation.
In the midst of the backdrop of false-positive COVID-19 tests controversy, Liverpool will turn their attention on the rescheduled first leg of the EFL Cup semi-final on Thursday night.
Liverpool haven’t been into their best when it comes to facing London outfits so far this season. But Arsenal are the only London side who lost to the Reds previously when both sides met last November.
Arteta’s Arsenal will come into the game after a humiliating defeat to Championship side Nottingham Forrest in FA Cup tie last weekend. Meanwhile, after all the hiccups recently, a pretty young Liverpool side marched over Shrewsbury Town 4-1 last Sunday.
It’s about time for Klopp’s men to pull their socks leaving all their recent disappointments behind. Moreover, in the last 10 meetings between the two sides, Liverpool have a better record.
The Merseysiders have won six games while the Gunners have won only three. One match has ended in a draw.
Team news
Divock Origi, Nat Phillips, Thiago, and Harvey Elliott will continue to be out with all the four Reds yet to recover from their respective injuries.
Meanwhile, Trent Alexander Arnold is now the only confirmed positive case.
In addition, the African trio of Salah, Mane, and Keita are all away at the AFCON.
Meanwhile, Liverpool No.1 Alisson Becker should be back from his COVID-19 infection. But Irishman Kelleher is likely to keep his place in starting eleven following his impressive performances lately in the Brazilian’s absence.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Kelleher; Milner, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Jones; Jota, Firmino, Minamino
Liverpool vs Leicester City: What Anfield Home Predicts
Both sides are hit with injuries, covid infection, and AFCON absentees. Liverpool’s absence of Salah and Mane upfront is a sign of big relief for Arteta’s men.
However, Klopp’s men will look to expose Gunners’ lack of a midfield presence.
Even with the absence of key members of the home side, Liverpool still have enough quality in their ranks to beat Arsenal at Anfield.
2-1 victory over Arsenal looks likely to take first-leg advantage in EFL cup for Liverpool.