Liverpool and Arsenal are the only two teams who have won their first two games in the Premier League, and that is bound to change come Saturday when they face off at Anfield.
Considering the form of the two teams, it’s going to be a mouth-watering clash between the two sides.
The two heavyweights have some quality players in their team, especially in their attacking department.
Here are three key battles which could decide the outcome of the game.
Liverpool vs Arsenal – 3 Key Battles
Virgil van Dijk vs Alexandre Lacazette
Virgil van Dijk has been rock solid at the back for Liverpool, and the Dutch international is currently the best defender in Europe.
With his commanding physique and consistency in shutting down even the best attackers, van Dijk is a tough opponent to come up against.
The Dutchman’s clash with Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette promises to be highly competitive, and could be the deciding factor of the fixture.
Lacazette has been an instrumental figure for Unai Emery’s side, and was on the scoresheet last weekend. His composure and ability to put chances away makes him dangerous, so he doesn’t need too many opportunities to trouble the scorers.
Roberto Firmino vs David Luiz
David Luiz featured at the heart of Arsenal’s backline alongside Sokratis against Burnley, and is likely to start against Jürgen Klopp’s side.
Although the former Chelsea defender struggled to deal with crosses early on against the Clarets, he improved as the game went on, and showed his ball-playing ability with some nice diagonals balls forward.
However, he is yet to settle fully with his new teammates, and Liverpool striker Roberto Firmino might fancy exploiting the defensive weaknesses of the north London outfit.
Firmino ran riot in the corresponding fixture last season as he scored a hat-trick put the Gunners to the sword. His ability to drop deep might test Luiz’s discipline in the game.
Georginio Wijnaldum vs Dani Ceballos
In a Premier League clash of such high magnitude, the midfield battle between Fabinho and Dani Ceballos might have a major say in deciding the outcome.
Signed on loan from Real Madrid, Ceballos showed his creativity and ability to pick a pass against Burnley in Arsenal’s last game.
The Spaniard created 4 chances and mustered 70 passes, and it goes without saying that he will be desperate to prove a point against a big side like Liverpool.
Fabinho will be primarily tasked with the responsibility of stopping Ceballos from linking up with Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The Brazilian is one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League, and his recovery tackles and passing are his strengths. If Fabinho dominates the midfield, Arsenal could come back from Anfield empty-handed once again.
