
Football will resume after a week-long gap due to the international break. There has been no news of major injuries to players, which is a positive sign for all Premier League clubs. The same goes for the Gunners as they will be happy to have a healthy and fit squad, with some players even getting additional rest. Arsenal resume their campaign with a trip to Liverpool on Saturday.
This could be an easy fixture for Liverpool considering their head-to-head record. In the past 10 years, the Gunners have managed to defeat the Reds in only 5 league games out of a possible 20, while Liverpool has 9 wins. But, Arteta’s men are in great form at the moment, having steadied the ship after a shaky start to the season.
Jurgen Klopp seems to be pretty happy with his squad and refrained from making major gs this summer despite the 3rd position finish last season. Arsenal, on other hand, have backed Arteta with several young and ambitious gs, who are proving to be fruitful. This new-look team have now collected 20 points from their last 8 games, securing 6 wins and 2 draws and currently stand at 5th position.
Meanwhile, the Merseysiders are in scintillating form right now. They had a club-record 25 matches unbeaten run in all competitions, until the defeat to West Ham United in their latest Premier League fixture. Liverpool currently stands at 4th position on the points table.
Arsenal vs Liverpool has always been an exciting matchup. Let us look at the team manager Mikel Arteta is most likely to field against the Reds.
Goal Keeper
Aaron Ramsdale (GK): The ex-Sheffield United shot-stopper has been Arteta’s 1st choice, ahead of Leno this season. He has also put in some man-of-the-match performances to back his selection as the first-choice between the sticks. Moreover, he also received his 1st international cap for England during this break, so his confidence will be running high.
Defence
Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB): This particular new addition has been very impressive for the Gunners. The hard-working Japanese international will keep his Right-back position.
Ben White (CB): Ben White was Arteta’s top priority g and rightfully so. White has performed exceptionally well for the team and would be an obvious choice for the centre-back position.
Gabriel (CB): The Brazilian defender finally has a partner he can rely on in Ben White. He will be leading the defensive line for Arsenal to disrupt the attacking flow of Liverpool.
Kieran Tierney (LB): Arsenal currently have many options for the left-back position. Tierney has the experience and is more creative from the left flank. The left-back position will be very vital for the Gunners as Tierney will be up against Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah.
Midfield
Arsenal would prefer their 4-2-3-1 lineup. This will allow depth all around the field for them.
Thomas Partey (CM): The Ghanaian powerhouse is a certain choice in the starting XI to protect the Gunners’ backline. He was pulled out of the Ghana squad over some injury concerns but is fit to play at Anfield.
Albert Sambi-Lokonga (CM): The 22-year-old Belgian talent has proved himself on every occasion he has been called out for. His ball control will be crucial against the talented Liverpool midfield.
Bukayo Saka (RM): Mikel Arteta has prefered Saka over Pepe for most of the games this season and given Liverpool’s fast-paced attack, Saka will be the better choice to go with.
Martin Ødegaard (AM): Martin Odegaard is one of the top gs for Arsenal this summer. The second spell with Arsenal has been splendid for him so far and will look to play a key role against Liverpool.
Emile Smith Row (LM): Arsenal’s Gifted no 10 will have another starting role. ESR has made an impressive start to the season and will look to continue on that path.
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Attack
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (ST): The Arsenal captain will be leading the attack for the front. Moreover, playing the Gabonese as the lone striker will allow Arteta to make adjustments for a 2nd striker, if needed, in the second half.
Predicted Score
Liverpool has a fiery attacking trio with great from their midfield. Arsenal’s defence will be tested for its solidity. It would be very ambitious to predict, but Arsenal will be able to secure a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
Follow AD for the latest Matchday updates on Arsenal.