Liverpool are preparing for another tough Premier League test early in the season as they will welcome Arsenal to Anfield.
The Reds have been entertaining to say the least throughout the opening two fixtures and just managed to scrape the three points at St James’ Park last time out in a 3-2 win against Newcastle United.
Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike provided the goals before the hosts equalised in the 88th minute, then up stepped Rio Ngumoha, who etched his name in Premier League history with his late winner in the dying moments of the match.
Liverpool have surrendered a two-goal lead in both matches played already, and if Arne Slot wants to overcome Arsenal at Anfield, the team must shore up at the back.
Arne Slot shouting instructions during a Liverpool game
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Gunners also boast a perfect record heading to Anfield and are yet to concede a goal in the league thus far.
Chris Sutton predicts Liverpool to lose against Arsenal at Anfield
Chris Sutton offered his scoreline prediction for BBC Sport, and he believes Ibrahima Konate’s rocky start to the season could see Arsenal take the three points at Anfield.
“My worry with Liverpool is exactly what Arne Slot talked about in pre-season. They’re too defensively vulnerable.
“They’ve already conceded four goals. Ibrahima Konate looks shot to pieces and has been all over the place in the last two games. He’s been a great player in the past for Liverpool but right now he looks like a triallist.
“If you’re a Liverpool fan I guess the good thing is your side are still getting results. But if you want to win league titles you’ve got to be watertight and strong at the back, and I’m not so sure Liverpool are.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
“Liverpool got bullied by Newcastle. There’s no reason why Arsenal can’t bully them too. I’ve just got a sneaky feeling that Arsenal, bolstered by new signing Eberechi Eze, will exploit them.
“Prediction: 1-2.”
Konate has been identified as a weakness for Arsenal to exploit – the Frenchman has appeared so far below his usual standard at the beginning of the campaign.
The 26-year-old has been a mainstay in the Reds’ defence alongside Virgil van Dijk since his £36 million move from RB Leipzig.
However, there are question marks surrounding his long-term future as he enters the final year of his contract, and TBR Football understands Konate is demanding “big money” from Liverpool to extend his deal.
Jamie Carragher believes Konate is replaceable should the defender opt to leave Anfield in the near future, and there is no denying that his recent form will be a serious cause of concern for Slot ahead of the Arsenal clash.
Liverpool are trying to sign Marc Guehi
Liverpool have added Giovanni Leoni to their defensive ranks, and Slot is eager to bolster their squad with one more central defender before the 1 September deadline.
Marc Guehi has been impressive for Crystal Palace, while intense speculation surrounds his future, and there is a possibility he will be playing his football at Anfield this season.
The 25-year-old would arrive as a direct competitor for Konate and could very well replace the defender in the starting line-up if his current form continues to be woeful.
And in the event Guehi does remain at Selhurst Park after the deadline, Leoni is viewed by Slot as first-team ready, regardless of what happens in the coming days. Konate’s starting berth is under threat.