Liverpool could send a huge statement to the rest of the Premier League if they manage to beat Arsenal at Anfield.
The Reds boast a perfect start in the Premier League thus far, but have surrendered a two-goal advantage in both of the opening fixtures.
Arsenal are yet to concede a goal as they continue their impeccable defensive track record into the 2025/26 season.
Chris Sutton believes Arsenal will win at Anfield on Sunday, a feat not achieved since 2012, and would deal a massive blow to Arne Slot heading into the international break.
Furthermore, Ibrahima Konate has been identified as a weakness ahead of the clash – the Reds defender has looked way below the standard he has set for himself.
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool applauds the fans as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Liverpool and Bournemouth
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Liverpool have scored seven goals in their opening fixtures and will be leaning on their attacking talent to decide the result, but Rio Ferdinand has shared which two stars, from either side, he is most looking forward to seeing play at Anfield.
Rio Ferdinand praises Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha
When speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, the Manchester United legend shared that he is most excited to see youngsters Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman get minutes on Sunday.
“Listen, guys, I have to say. A 16-year-old, Rio, at Liverpool, and a 15-year-old at Arsenal deserve a segment on their own. How is that happening? How are we here, guys?
“How are we sitting here saying a 16-year-old and a 15-year-old player are going into a Premier League match and could be the subplot? The leading second story in this game.
“Two hugely talented players, Rio scores the winner for Liverpool against Newcastle, what a finish. What an achievement just to get in and around the squad, let alone get on the pitch and score.
“Getting chances in pre-season, showing the manager ‘you can trust me’, the players believe in him. You can see it. Wonderful talent, I’ve watched him since he was probably 12 years old, in the academy football (where) he used to play against one of my sons. He’s a year younger.
“And then he goes to Liverpool, breaking hearts of all the Chelsea fans, and is absolutely fast-tracked in and around the first team. The type of player he looks like to me, ‘put me in amongst it and I’ll produce’. No wavering of confidence.
“Put me in around Virgil (van Dijk), but me in around the likes of Konate, put me in around the (Alexis) Mac Allister’s of this world, World Cup winners, I want to be in it with (Mohamed) Salah, where are they?”
Ngumoha became the fourth-youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at St James’ Park, joining the likes of Wayne Rooney and James Milner in the record books.
He has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence into the first team frame over the past few months – Liverpool believe he is a “generational” talent and they are willing to invest time in his development over pursuing a big-money replacement for Luis Diaz.
Liverpool may have to be wary of Max Dowman at Anfield
The 15-year-old made his senior league debut for Arsenal two days before Ngumoha emerged off the bench to score the winner against Newcastle.
And while Dowman did not have a similar impact for the Gunners, he did manage to win a penalty in the closing stages of the match against Leeds, which Viktor Gyokeres duly converted.
Liverpool have looked susceptible defensively this season, and Mikel Arteta could look to exploit the limited options on the bench by introducing Dowman in the second half when the Reds’ defenders are tiring.
Ferdinand added: “Max Dowman’s exactly the same (as Ngumoha) and we’ve just spoken loads about Max Dowman. I don’t know if there’s a 15-year-old about who’s as talented as him.”