Bruno Guimaraes Back In Midfield: 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs Liverpool
Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Sunday for what is set to be one of their toughest tests of the season so far.
The Gunners, who are second in the Premier League but tied on points with leaders Manchester City, suffered the biggest shock in EFL Cup history when they were beaten by fourth-tier Fleetwood Town on penalty shootout. It was a heavily rotated XI put out by Mikel Arteta, but that is no excuse for losing to Fleetwood Town.
So, Mikel Arteta will be desperate to see a reaction from his boys against Liverpool, who are on a six-game winning run in all competitions and come into this feisty encounter off the back of beating Chelsea in the EFL Cup on penalty shootout.
Arsenal Team News
Bukayo Saka is unavailable due to a quad injury, while Noni Madueke missed the shock defeat to Fleetwood in midweek due to an ankle issue. Madueke’s availability is particularly significant considering Max Dowman is suspended after his red card against Fleetwood.
Arsenal’s appeal against the decision to send off Dowman has been rejected, resulting in a three-match ban. Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori were absent against Fleetwood Town, but there is optimism that they will be a part of the travelling squad.
Meanwhile, Christos Tzolis is closing in on a return to action from a hamstring injury, though the Liverpool game comes too soon for the winger.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
David Raya was rested in midweek, with Illan Meslier starting in goal against Fleetwood Town. Raya should be back in the starting XI, hoping to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the league.
Defence
There is a big possibility that the entire Arsenal backline that started in the defeat to Fleetwood Town is changed. Gabriel Magalhaes will be fresh to start after he was rested, and the Brazilian will continue his centre-back partnership with Ezri Konsa.
Ben White came on as a substitute at half-time for Jurrien Timber but could start here. Calafiori is hoped to shrug off his minor issue and feature at left-back at Anfield, with White slotting in at right-back. The entire defensive unit have to be at their best to keep a dangerous Liverpool attack quiet.
Midfield
There is optimism over Rice’s availability after he missed the Fleetwood Town shocker. The England international could be back in the starting XI, partnering Bruno Guimaraes at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. Together they will try to control the pace of the game and frustrate the hosts.
One of the best box-crashing No.8s in the world, Mikel Merino might get the nod to start against the Reds. The Spaniard’s ability to contribute in both boxes should help the Gunners.
Attack
With Saka ruled out, Dowman suspended and Madueke a big doubt, there is a possibility of Arteta deploying Martin Odegaard on the right flank. As an inverted winger, Odegaard will look to influence the proceedings in the final third and provide help to White defensively when required.
Eberechi Eze looks nailed-on to start on the left flank, and the England international will try to create problems for Ronald Araujo. Both Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres were incredibly poor against Fleetwood, but Arteta often turns to the former up front in the biggest games.
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