William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are both predicted to start for Arsenal against Liverpool(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night, looking to get revenge for the defeat at Anfield earlier in the season. While many might have pegged this as a title-defining clash, for Arsenal, it might be, but for Arne Slot’s side, it couldn’t be further from that.
Currently 14 points behind the Gunners, the Reds have endured a surprisingly challenging campaign despite upwards of £400million being invested. Alexander Isak will not be involved and Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt but Mikel Arteta will have some stars who were not available earlier in the campaign.
There are some big calls to make in the team and Arteta has some extra freshness having had a day more to prepare and having rested some players in the win over Bournemouth.
Here is how **football.london** expects the team to line-up today:
**David Raya**
The Spanish goalkeeper was beaten by a crazy Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick at Anfield, the only way it seemed he would be beaten and the hope is a clean sheet will be coming on Thursday.
**Jurrien Timber**
Who the Dutchman will be facing up to will depend on Ekitike’s availability; it could be his compatriot Cody Gakpo, perhaps Florian Wirtz or even another option.
**William Saliba**
The Frenchman survived only a few minutes in the reverse fixture due to an ankle problem which could have been the difference in the end from the Gunners’ picking up more than they did. Thankfully, he is available this time around.
**Gabriel**
The Brazilian will be eyeing another big performance after his dramatics on the south coast last weekend. A goal against the Reds would continue some fine form since his return to action with two goals against Villa and Bournemouth.
**Piero Hincapie**
With Riccardo Calafiori still out, it makes sense that Piero Hincapie starts this one, with Mikel Arteta praising the defender for his efforts in the absence of the Italian.
**Martin Zubimendi**
The Spaniard had another top game at the weekend, winning possession 12 times, the most of any player in a single Arsenal game this season.
**Declan Rice**
Rice stole the show with his two goals last time out and his return to fitness after an injury scare is huge in a game of such magnitude as this.
**Martin Odegaard**
The most in-form player in the team right now with three goal contributions in three games, the skipper is back to his imperious best.
**Bukayo Saka**
Fresh after being rested against Bournemouth but still finding time to come off the bench and provide an assist, Saka does enjoy this fixture.
**Viktor Gyokeres**
If there is a time for Gyokeres to end his goal drought, this would be one of the best games and moments that it could happen in.
**Leandro Trossard**
A player of the season contender and also, like Saka, who benefitted from some rest at the weekend, the Belgian comes in with batteries somewhat recharged.