Liverpool take on Arsenal on Thursday night, with Arne Slot hoping his side can pull off a shock result.
The Reds are back in Premier League action not long after their disappointing draw away to Fulham, with their next match one of the toughest of the season.
They travel to the Emirates to take on an Arsenal side unbeaten at home in all competitions, with the Gunners able to go 17 points clear of Liverpool should they win.
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Liverpool's last five results vs Arsenal
Liverpool’s last five results vs Arsenal
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Most Reds fans are expecting this to happen too and are fearing for the worst, but who knows, Slot might just come up with something that means they defy all odds. Here is the XI we think he will send out.
Defence
The backline will be tested a lot during this game so they all have to be on top form, none more so than Alisson Becker who will start between the sticks.
He helped keep a clean sheet against them earlier on in the season and will be under the cosh in this one, but if anyone is capable of pulling off saves they are not supposed to, it is the Brazilian.
At right-back, Conor Bradley will likely keep his place due to a shortness of options elsewhere on the pitch, although he appears to be first-choice anyway when fit.
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The two centre-backs will also remain the same due to lack of depth, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate being imperative if they are to stop Arsenal from set pieces in this one.
The left-back could be a toss of a coin between Andy Robertson and Milos Kerkez, but we think Slot will go for the latter due to his performances getting a little better as games go by.
It would be no surprise to see Robertson come on, though, to use his experience to good effect, although it is unlikely that Liverpool will be in a position to see the game out anyway.
Midfield
Arsenal have one of the most well-balanced midfields in the league and this is usually where they overrun their opponents, so Slot needs to get his midfield selection spot on.
Ryan Gravenberch is basically nailed-on despite not quite being at his usual levels as of late, with Curtis Jones likely to partner him in a slightly deeper role.
WHO do you want to see start vs Arsenal?
Do you agree with our predicted XI? Who would you change…
RTK predicted XI vs Arsenal
RTK predicted XI vs Arsenal
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We think Alexis Mac Allister will miss out on making the XI due to his performances being sub-par recently too, with his legs looking like they have gone, which will be a huge worry at just 27.
Instead, Dominik Szoboszlai will likely take up the number 10 role, with the Hungarian hoping he can play a key part in a game against Arsenal, just like he did when scoring the winner against them earlier in the season.
Attack
The forward line is where Slot might make his only change from the team that drew to Fulham, with Jeremie Frimpong starting on the right.
The Dutchman has probably been Liverpool’s best player as of late and has made a real impact with his pace and directness, with this even shown in his short cameo off the bench on Sunday.
He could be the one who causes Arsenal the most problems and sets up many of the attacks, but unfortunately for Reds fans, it looks like it will not be Hugo Ekitike finishing them.
Fill in the blank: Arne Slot must start — as Liverpool’s striker against Arsenal
Isak is out until March, and Ekitike hasn’t trained. Could Chiesa be an option? 🤔
Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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He is a major doubt for this game due to injury, meaning that Cody Gakpo will likely start up top for this one for the second match in a row.
On the left, Florian Wirtz surely starts again after scoring against Fulham, with the German getting better and better as games go by.
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