Liverpool against Arsenal is one of the scintillating fixtures of English Football. In recent years, both clubs have had contrasting fortunes. Liverpool are challenging for titles whereas Arsenal are not even playing in European Football.
Both sides will meet at Anfield and a close encounter is expected given their recent form. A tough task ahead for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his men to face not only face Liverpool but also their 12th man ‘The Anfield crowd’.
The International break is over and a classic Liverpool vs Arsenal match awaits at Anfield on Saturday.
Arsenal had a disastrous start to the season and were at bottom of the table without a win and without a single goal scored after three games. But Arteta did a remarkable job to turn things around and now the Gunners are 5th in the PL table.
It’s a battle between fourth-placed Liverpool against fifth-placed Arsenal. And if Liverpool manages to win this one Klopp’s men will be able to close down the gap in the league table with the leaders, who themselves will be having a tough battle at the King Power stadium.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Match Preview
The Reds will head into the Arsenal game looking to bounce back from West Ham defeat before the International break. The defeat ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run of 25 games.
Liverpool have dropped points on numerous occasions playing at home this season. Last time at home Klopp’s men dropped points against Brighton to give away two goals lead and then eventually settling for a draw.
Those results mean Liverpool have just won twice in the last five top-flight fixtures. The last two disappointing league fixtures put Liverpool into fourth place just two points above Arsenal at fifth and four points adrift to leaders Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are in a good run of form winning the last three games to move into the fifth place. Since Gunner’s humiliating defeat at Manchester City in August, they have bounced back stronger and hence, are unbeaten since then.
Gunner’s bright spot so far has been Emile Smith Rowe, who is in fine form and a revelation of the season so far. Along with Smith Rowe, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is putting on superb performances.
Last time, when these two sides met Liverpool won 3-0 with Diogo Jota scoring twice and Mohamed Salah scoring one. The same will be expected with fully packed Anfield with Salah and Jota both in good form especially the Egyptian, who is in form of his life.
Scoring goals haven’t been the problem as Klopp’s side have registered the most number of goals in the league. It is the defensive issues that need some sorting out. So far this season, The Reds have surrendered leads on numerous occasions.
The International Break has come at the right time to reset Liverpool’s fortune and get ready for Arsenal. Liverpool are yet to lose to Arsenal at Anfield since they last tasted defeat back in September 2012.
Moreover, since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, Arsenal have managed to won just 1 of their last 11 Premier League clashes against Liverpool.
Team News
First choice left-back Andy Robertson looks doubtful for the fixture after suffering a hamstring complaint during international duty for Scotland.
Should Robertson be unavailable, Kostas Tsimikas would in all likelihood deputize after a number of promising showings.
While Captain Jordan Henderson and winger Sadio Mane are back in training after suffering knocks during the International break.
Meanwhile, James Milner’s return is a big boost as he was out of action because of an injury he picked at Old Trafford.
Diogo Jota will continue to be with Salah and Mane at the attack. And Midfield trio of Fabinho, Henderson, and Thiago looks all set to start.
Apart from that, Roberto Firmino, Curtis Jones, and Naby Keita will continue to remain out for their respective injury concerns.
Liverpool probable starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Henderson, Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Prediction
It’s a tough call to make as both teams coming out of International Break and with vital injury concerns for both. Moreover, both sides have defensive instability.
Although Gunners are in a brilliant run of form but facing Liverpool is a big task especially at Anfield. Anfield hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them.
While Liverpool have enough firepower to come out with all three points from the game.
A tight home win of 2-1 looks likely.
