Arne Slot should consider dropping Florian Wirtz in order to boost Liverpool's defensive security in midfield against Arsenal, Reds expert David Lynch has argued.
The Premier League champions are set to take on the Gunners at Anfield on Sunday, and a win could be vital ahead of the September international break.
Wirtz has not scored or assisted in the league so far this season, and the German failed to make much of an impact against Newcastle United when the Mereysiders won 3-2 on Monday.
When asked by Sports Mole about how Slot should set up against Arsenal, Lynch suggested that leaving Wirtz on the bench could be to the benefit of the XI, saying: "Tough decisions for the manager. The really easy move here would be to drop Wirtz out of it. He got stick for his Bournemouth performance, but he was poor against Newcastle.
"Arsenal are physical, pose a set-piece threat. You do worry about him in that, so I think this is a massive call for the manager. You need to get Wirtz up to speed, you need to get him adapted to the Premier League, but you want to win this game because it's a big one, and if you can take a lead over Arsenal, that is helpful.
"I would not be against seeing the Szoboszlai, Mac Allister and Gravenberch midfield being reinstated, and Wirtz dropping to the bench and being asked to change it late in the game, but I find it difficult to call what he's going to do. Promises have been made about his role and where he's going to play."
Dominik Szoboszlai was used as a right-back against Newcastle, and the midfielder excelled in the backline, so perhaps he will be an option in defence.
Liverpool's Florian Wirtz on August 4, 2025
Bukayo Saka injury, Eberechi Eze signing: Can Liverpool take advantage of Arsenal?
Liverpool will be facing an Arsenal side that will be without talisman Bukayo Saka, who is sidelined due to the hamstring injury he suffered against Leeds United on August 23.
Mikel Arteta has welcomed attacker Eberechi Eze into his squad, and Slot will hope that the Englishman is not yet up to speed with the Gunners manager's demands.
Speaking to Sports Mole, Lynch insisted that Arsenal should still have enough attacking depth to pose significant challenges on Sunday, saying: "The interesting one with Eze is where is Odegaard up to with his injury? If he's out, maybe Arteta will throw Eze into central attack in midfield.
"He'd be a great addition there because he's a phenomenal player. They primarily signed him to play off the left side, but if Odegaard is out, he's also an option in the middle, and he'd be very good for them there.
"With Saka's injury, we'll probably see Madueke start on the right because he's a natural fit, and it shows that Arsenal have boosted their attacking options this summer. Madueke, Eze - if you get injuries to [Odegaard and Saka] they're stronger than last season and can cope."
The Reds drew 2-2 with Arsenal at both the Emirates and Anfield last term, though their home stalemate came after the title had already been won.
Arsenal's Eberechi Eze pictured on August 23, 2025
Should Arne Slot be worried about set-piece threat from Mikel Areta's side?
The Reds have conceded four times in their opening two Premier League games, and they twice conceded from set pieces against Newcastle.
Arsenal are renowned for their prowess from dead-ball situations, and if Liverpool are as poor during set pieces on Sunday as they were last time out, then they are unlikely to keep a clean sheet.
Lynch was fearful of the Londoners' threat from corners and free kicks, telling Sports Mole: "I struggle to see it getting to the end of the game and Liverpool haven't conceded from a set piece because I don't think they're going to starve Arsenal of possession significantly enough to stop them getting set-pieces.
"Liverpool are weak in those aspects and Arsenal have got a big team, Liverpool haven't, so you can cause chaos in the box and score. Arsenal will score a set-piece goal, so I'm not predicting a clean sheet. What is in Liverpool's favour is that I did see Arsenal at United in the first game of the season looking a little vulnerable at times.
"Liverpool would punish them more than United, and Liverpool are scoring goals at the moment. Throw in that it is Anfield and Liverpool will likely be the dominant team there and that is massively helpful. Liverpool are going to have to score a couple because I don't think they will keep a clean sheet against Arsenal."
Arsenal scored their only goal against Manchester United from a corner, while their opening goal against Leeds United was also netted from a corner.
> Click here to listen to the full discussion on Florian Wirtz's place in the starting XI against Arsenal
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