There is an argument that Mikel Arteta might have preferred to play Manchester United a few weeks ago. Erik Ten Hag was in charge of a failing United side who only looked to be getting worse. Now though under Ruben Amorim they have seen a slight turnaround in results.
Then again, Arsenal right now find themselves in their best run of form this season. In their past three matches since the November international break they have managed as many goals at they did in their eight games prior. It's this that gives Arteta confidence heading into the match.
"You can see his fingerprints in what he wants to do straight away," Arteta said of Amorim's imapct in his pre-match press conference. "He's been very clear with what he wants to do. What he did with Sporting was remarkable after so many years. Especially the way he did it and the way his teams are playing.
"It brings energy to a new club and the players which is always positive. But we have to focus on what we're doing."
His job may be made slightly more difficult by a few injury doubts concerning Gabriel, Thomas Partey, Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino. With Liverpool streaking ahead though, there is no room for Arsenal to drop any more points.
It's crucial that Arteta gets his team selection spot on. Here's who football.london are expecting the Spanaird to select.