Ex-Liverpool defender Jason McAteer is expecting a stalemate when his former club face Arsenal this weekend.
The Reds’ opponents could be without a couple of key players, but speaking to 10bet, McAteer said the Gunners’ depth means it won’t be an issue for them:
“If I was Liverpool, I’d take a draw. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard are huge misses, but this isn’t the same Arsenal. They’ve bought in players and Mikel Arteta has got a great headache now, trying to fit all that talent into just 11 starting players.”
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“There are going to be players on the bench desperate to start, and Madueke and Zubimendi are looking good. There’s options for them even with these two injuries.”
“For Liverpool, they’re without a recognised right-back and we’re not sure if Conor Bradley will be fit. For Liverpool they will be more than happy with another last-minute winner, especially the fans. But my hope is that the fixture matches the quality of the players, and they don’t cancel each other out. It’s a hugely exciting match, and both sides are in a really good position with plenty of talent. I think given all that, a draw is what I’d be looking for.”
Liverpool have injury concerns of their own
Arsenal are not the only ones who could have regular starters missing this weekend. Jeremie Frimpong is out with a hamstring until after the international break, while Alexis Mac Allister is also not 100% fit.
As McAteer mentions, Conor Bradley is available but he has not started for the Reds since the last game of last season against Crystal Palace.
Slot needs to find the right balance
Head coach Arne Slot will be mindful of the threat that the Gunners pose going forward, especially from set-pieces. His team are certainly not bad in the final third either, having scored 7 goals in their first two Premier League fixtures.
However, they have looked vulnerable defensively, having conceded four times already, and Slot will be keen to ensure his team are not exposed on the counter-attack when the teams face off at Anfield on Sunday.
Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here