Liverpool go to top of the table Arsenal in the Premier League on Thursday evening, and here's how we think the Reds should line up
Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo will both be hoping to face Arsenal
Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo will both be hoping to face Arsenal
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When Arne Slot put a ring around Arsenal away on his Liverpool fixture list in the summer he wouldn't have expected to be going into the game 14 points behind the Gunners. But that is where the reigning champions are as they head to the Emirates Stadium this evening to face the overwhelming favourites to take their crown.
This has become a challenge to qualify for next season's Champions League for the Reds, and their trip to take on Mikel Arteta's men is surely the most difficult task that awaits them in the rest of the domestic season.
How should Slot play things in the capital then? Our writers have picked the XIs that they'd choose this evening.
Ian Doyle
The reality is if Arsenal don't win the Premier League from this position, they should consider disbanding as a club. But Liverpool will be doing their best to ensure that dissolution remains on the table this evening when they visit the runaway leaders.
What, then, is Reds boss Arne Slot to do?
There's no question he has to name his strongest team. What that is with the players available, though, isn't exactly straightforward.
The goalkeeping position is, however. That's Alisson Becker. Conor Bradley can remain at right-back, with Milos Kerkez the left-back and Ibrahima Konate partnering skipper Virgil van Dijk at centre-back.
In midfield, Curtis Jones can go alongside Ryan Gravenberch at the base with Dominik Szoboszlai the number 10.
And in attack, Cody Gakpo is on the left, with Florian Wirtz the false nine and Jeremie Frimpong on the right. Well aware that is a lot of midfielders but with probably no Hugo Ekitike and definitely no Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, there's not much alternative really.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Wirtz.
Paul Gorst
The big selection issue for this one is whether or not Hugo Ekitike is fit enough to return to the Liverpool team.
Arne Slot seemed hopeful enough in his pre-match press conference and with the France international striker likely to be given the night off against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Monday night, I'm picking the 11-goal top scorer.
On the left side of the front three, the question is whether it is Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo who starts? The Germany international would allow more security in possession in central areas but the Dutchman has the pace on the counter. Tough one to call that.
On the right, I am absolutely giving Jeremie Frimpong the nod. The jet-heeled wideman has been a bright spot of recent weeks with three 'proper' assists for Ekitike, Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch. His speed will be invaluable in transitions. So he starts on the right of the front three, Conor Bradley behind him.
In midfield, Gravenberch starts alongside Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai. Alexis Mac Allister drops to the bench. He can be a useful option if needed to keep it tight later in the game.
Andy Robertson starts ahead of Milos Kerkez and the back four is otherwise unchanged.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Mark Jones
Arsenal have looked fitter, stronger and altogether a lot more imposing than Liverpool this season, and my main worry for the Reds going to the Emirates is just how they will compete for 95+ minutes with a side who have made physicality their pride and joy on the way to what you'd think will be a first league title in 22 years, if they don't mess it up.
But while the Gunners are riding the crest of a wave at the moment it doesn't take much to make them nervous in north London, so I'm picking a Reds side that can aim to contain their hosts before hopefully packing a punch in the latter stages.
I'd keep the back four the same as at Fulham, with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones ahead of them and Dominik Szoboszlai shifted centrally where he can best use his physical gifts to tear around the pitch.
Jeremie Frimpong's pace can then be utilised high on the right, with Florian Wirtz drifting in from the left and Cody Gakpo starting centrally before Hugo Ekitike is hopefully unleashed in place of him for the final half hour.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo.