Much will be at stake when top-of-the-table Liverpool head to the Emirates Stadium to face third placed Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday.
A win for Arsenal will see the Gunners close the gap between them and the Reds to just one point, while Arne Slot’s side will go seven points clear of a title rival should they leave North London with the win.
Team News
Arsenal will be without captain, Martin Odegaard, and talisman, Bukayo Saka. William Saliba will also miss the encounter as he serves a suspension for the red card received in the 2-0 loss at Bournemouth last weekend.
Also set to miss the crucial clash is Riccardo Calafiori, who suffered a knee injury during the win over Shakhtar Donetsk. However, Jurrien Timber returned to training with the first team although it is unlikely he will start.
For Liverpool, the Reds will be without Portuguese forward, Diogo Jota, and first-choice goalkeeper, Alisson, for the trip to North London.
Predicted Line-ups
Arsenal XI: D. Raya – T. Partey, B. White, Gabriel, J. Kiwior – D. Rice, M. Merino, L. Trossard – G. Jesus, K. Havertz, G. Martinelli.
Liverpool XI: C. Kelleher – T. Alexander-Arnold, V. Van Dijk, I. Konate, A. Robertson – R. Gravenberch, A. MacAllister, D. Szoboszlai – M. Salah, D. Nunez, L. Diaz.
Head-to-head
The Gunners are unbeaten in their last four against the Reds in the Premier League. Indeed, Arsenal have gained more points in those matches (8) than in the previous 14 meetings between the two teams.
Prediction
Both teams have generally enjoyed good form so far this season, with Liverpool showing defensive solidity in many games while Arsenal, despite the absence of Odegaard, have carved out wins in most of his absence – the Bournemouth loss being the exception.
It is expected both teams will go for the win but will have to settle for a stalemate. What do you think?
