Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could unleash a fresh attack when the Gunners take on Liverpool in tomorrow’s Premier League game at Anfield.
The Gunners are presently goal difference behind league leaders Manchester City, but they have a game in hand against the Reds away from home.
Arsenal have not won at Anfield since September 2012, but they will be aiming to end the hoodoo and secure a slender advantage at the top of the table.
Ahead of the clash, the Gunners have received a timely boost with Christos Tzolis back in training after a brief absence with a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Greece.
Noni Madueke was also absent for the midweek defeat at Fleetwood Town with an ankle knock, but Arteta refused to rule him out of tomorrow’s Merseyside trip.
In our opinion, both players could be deemed fit. It won’t come as a surprise if the manager is prepared to unleash the duo in a fresh Gunners attack on Sunday.
Tzolis has had a bright start to his debut season with four assists, and the injury probably came at the wrong time. With Tzolis fit again, Arteta may have no qualms about starting the £34 million signing on the left wing, given Eberechi Eze has produced a mixed bag from the position.
Madueke has been in fine form since the last international break with some key goal contributions. The £52 million star should be a guaranteed starter on the right wing with Bukayo Saka injured and club graduate Max Dowman suspended following his red card at Fleetwood.
Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard should be an undisputed starter in the number 10 role, while Viktor Gyokeres is likely to get the nod over Kai Havertz upfront. Neither was convincing at Highbury Stadium in midweek, but the former has the benefit of the doubt after he found the back of the net.
Havertz, on the other hand, had a disastrous showing, squandering several big chances. The Gunners could have easily won if the German had stepped up on the night. We would personally prefer Gyokeres over Havertz based solely on their overall midweek performances.
Arsenal should go into tomorrow’s game with plenty of optimism despite the shock loss at Fleetwood in the Carabao Cup fourth round. Man City’s defeat to Brighton means a draw would be sufficient to claim top spot but a victory at Anfield would be a statement from the Gunners.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com