When Arne Slot highlighted the Arsenal away game on his Liverpool fixture list in the summer, he wouldn't have anticipated being 14 points adrift of the Gunners. Yet, that's the position the reigning champions find themselves in as they head to the Emirates tonight to face the team tipped to usurp them.
The Reds' focus has shifted to securing a spot in next season's Champions League, and their encounter with Mikel Arteta's side is arguably the toughest hurdle left in their domestic campaign. So, how should Slot approach this crucial match in the capital? We have selected the line-ups we would opt for tonight.
Ian Doyle
If Arsenal fail to clinch the Premier League title from their current position, they might as well consider disbanding. However, Liverpool will be doing everything in their power to keep that possibility alive when they take on the league leaders tonight.
What should Liverpool manager Arne Slot do?
He must undoubtedly field his strongest line-up. Determining what that looks like, given the available players, isn't exactly straightforward.
The choice of goalkeeper is clear-cut: Alisson Becker. Conor Bradley can retain his right-back position, with Milos Kerkez at left-back and Ibrahima Konate partnering captain Virgil van Dijk in central defence.
In midfield, Curtis Jones can pair up with Ryan Gravenberch at the base, with Dominik Szoboszlai in the number 10 role.
In the forward line, Cody Gakpo takes the left flank, with Florian Wirtz as the false nine and Jeremie Frimpong on the right. We're aware that's a lot of midfielders, but with Hugo Ekitike likely absent and definitely no Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah, there aren't many other options.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gakpo; Wirtz.
Paul Gorst
The major selection dilemma for this match is whether Hugo Ekitike is fit enough to rejoin the Liverpool squad.
Arne Slot seemed optimistic in his pre-match press conference and with the French international striker likely to be rested against Barnsley in the FA Cup on Monday night, I'm selecting the 11-goal top scorer.
On the left side of the front three, the question is: Florian Wirtz or Cody Gakpo?
The German international would provide more ball control in central areas, but the Dutchman has speed on the counterattack. That's a tough decision.
On the right, I'm definitely giving Jeremie Frimpong the green light. The speedy winger has been a highlight in recent weeks with three 'proper' assists for Ekitike, Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.
His pace will be crucial in transitions. So he starts on the right of the front three, with Conor Bradley behind him.
In the midfield, Gravenberch is set to start alongside Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai. Alexis Mac Allister will be relegated to the bench, providing a handy option if needed to maintain control later in the match.
Andy Robertson gets the nod ahead of Milos Kerkez, with the rest of the back four remaining unchanged.
My team (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai; Frimpong, Ekitike, Wirtz.
Mark Jones
Arsenal have appeared fitter, stronger and overall more formidable than Liverpool this season, and my primary concern for the Reds heading to the Emirates is how they'll compete for 95+ minutes against a side that has made physical prowess their hallmark on their journey towards what could be their first league title in 22 years, barring any slip-ups.
However, while the Gunners are currently riding high, it doesn't take much to unsettle them in north London, so I'm selecting a Reds squad that can aim to restrain their hosts before hopefully delivering a blow in the final stages.
I'd keep the back four the same as at Fulham, with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones in front of them and Dominik Szoboszlai moved centrally where he can best utilise his physical abilities to cover the pitch.
Jeremie Frimpong's speed can then be exploited high on the right, with Florian Wirtz drifting in from the left and Cody Gakpo starting centrally before Hugo Ekitike is hopefully brought on in his place for the last half hour.
My team (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Wirtz; Gakpo.