Liverpool entertain Arsenal in what could be a defining clash for either team, with Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta looking to deal an early blow in the title race.
Liverpool endured a tough night at St. James’ Park last Monday, when they were dominated by a Newcastle United side. More importantly, the Merseysiders came away with a win that showcased their champions’ mentality through teenager Rio Ngumoha, but the Magpies somehow managed to dominate them for over 45 minutes with ten men.
Arne Slot will know his charges have made a bit of a sloppy start to the new campaign, right from losing the FA Community Shield tie and the two games in the league since. While they have notched six points from those encounters against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, Liverpool have also thrice taken a two-goal lead and let the opposition come back into the game.
Sloppiness in defence may not go unpunished against a team like Arsenal, and Slot will be wary of the quality the Gunners bring to the table. Yet, there are questions to be answered, and Sunday might be the best occasion to do that when the North Londoners come to Merseyside in an early-season clash between two teams widely considered the main title challengers this season.
Arsenal have also had a mixed start to their campaign, although they, too, have collected six points from their two opening games of the season. After a scrappy win at Old Trafford against Manchester United, the Gunners switched a gear to demolish Leeds United 5-0 at the Emirates last Saturday.
There are still some questions for Mikel Arteta to answer, but so far, his side have not conceded goals in the Premier League. Sunday might come as a big challenge for the Spanish manager about establishing his side as firm title challengers, as a win would push them towards the early favourites category at this stage of the campaign.
Arsenal will come into this clash full of confidence, having done an exceptional job in the transfer window. They could finish the window with as many as eight new signings, as despite some injury concerns to key players, Arteta can field a lineup capable of winning at Anfield.
Team News & Tactics
Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury issues have eased in the weeks leading to the game against Arsenal, as Alexis Mac Allister is back in full training after he missed the tie with Newcastle United. The Argentine international and midfield partner Ryan Gravenberch have not started together this season, and the Arsenal clash might be the time they do that.
Jeremie Frimpong is the only casualty for Liverpool, as Arne Slot mentioned. Conor Bradley is also in full training throughout the week. There is a decision for the manager to make for his starting right-back, especially after Dominik Szoboszlai’s impressive display there against Newcastle United.
Hence, there could either be the case of starting Szoboszlai at right-back or using him alongside Gravenberch in midfield if Mac Allister is not match-fit. Milos Kerkez will likely keep his place at left-back despite his shaky display against Newcastle United, while the attacking setup might stay the same, with Hugo Ekitike leading the line for Liverpool against Arsenal and Florian Wirtz in the attacking midfield role.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has major concerns with injuries to his key players after the Leeds United game. Star man Bukayo Saka suffered a hamstring issue, and Martin Odegaard was taken off earlier in the first half. The former is certainly out of the Liverpool trip, but there is still a chance for the latter to make the squad and even start.
Arteta insisted the medical team are doing everything to have Odegaard fit, and should the skipper start, then new arrival Eberechi Eze could be playing on the left-hand side of the front three. The former Crystal Palace star can equally replace the Norwegian in his position or start on the left while allowing Ethan Nwaneri to start in the No.10 role.
There is a clear selection dilemma for Arteta, although only this time it is more on the positive side rather than tinkering because of a lack of options. Furthermore, Kai Havertz will be unavailable for the next few months with a knee problem, while Ben White’s fitness remains unclear ahead of the trip to Merseyside.
The main thinking is for the attacking setup, although Arteta is expected to keep his defensive setup and midfield partnership intact. Noni Madueke will deputise for Saka on the right-hand side, while Viktor Gyokeres will lead the line for Arsenal against Liverpool.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Odegaard, Eze; Gyokeres
Key Stats
Liverpool have scored at least two goals in 28 of their last 33 matches in the Premier League.
Liverpool are undefeated in 33 of their last 36 matches in the Premier League.
Arsenal are undefeated in 28 of their last 30 matches in the Premier League.
Arsenal are undefeated in the last six games against Liverpool in the Premier League.
Mohamed Salah has netted 11 Premier League goals against Arsenal, with only Harry Kane (14) and Wayne Rooney (12) ever netting more against the Gunners. One of those came for Chelsea, while the other 10 have been for Liverpool. Only Roberto Firmino has more against Arsenal just for the Reds (11).
Player to Watch
Eberechi Eze
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Only last week, Eze was extremely close to joining Tottenham, only for a last-minute call from Arsenal to help him switch to the Gunners. After the emotional announcement and the hype created around the attacker, he is about to make his debut in possibly the toughest game this season for his new club in the Premier League.
Anfield is not the kindest of places for opposition players, but Eze has been a top performer here during his time with Crystal Palace. He would hope to start on the right note for his new side, Arsenal, and what better way to announce himself to the fans than a top-notch display against Liverpool.
Prediction
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Liverpool have had a winning start to their Premier League campaign, but there are some key concerns, such as those in defence. Hence, there is a hint of doubt about their ability to hold a tight lid at the back, especially given how improved Arsenal are in the attack.
Arsenal are without some key stars, but their work in the transfer window has allowed them to add quality depth options. The Gunners certainly have the best defensive setup in the league, and they also have better attacking prowess heading to Anfield, which could see them nick a win here and make a statement of intent early on in the title race. The Hard Tackle predicts a 2-1 win for Mikel Arteta and his charges.