Liverpool will perhaps face their biggest test in the Premier League this season when they entertain Arsenal at Anfield later tonight. The defending Champions have won their opening two games, and will look to overcome an in-form Arsenal team.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won their last two games against Liverpool, and will look to finally end Liverpool’s unbeaten home record in the league which stretches back to 2017. The Gunners too have won their opening two games, and have combined good attacking football with doggedness at the back.
A much-changed Liverpool side put seven past their EFL Cup opponents Lincoln City on Thursday, but even with many of the senior players getting some rest, they might face Arsenal without some key players.
Liverpool Team News
It’s still unclear if Alisson Becker will face Arsenal. The Brazilian could face a lit fitness test to determine if he can start. Adrian will be on standby of course, and Liverpool fans will have been buoyed by his second-half performance against Lincoln as he made some smart stops.
Thiago Alcantara, like Alisson, is also a doubt. It’s unlikely we will see him make the Liverpool lineup as he gets up to speed. The positive news though is that Joe Gomes returned to training last week, and should return to the starting XI.
Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are still unavailable.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
If Alisson is able to pass his late fitness test, he will start in goal. Else we could see Adrian take his place.
Defence
Virgil van Dijk played the first half of the game against Lincoln City as Liverpool were short on defenders. The Dutchman is expected to start alongside Joe Gomez in the Liverpool lineup.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson were rested for the cup tie, and they should return to the Liverpool lineup.
Midfield
With Gomez back, Fabinho should take his place as the holding midfielder in the Liverpool lineup. The Brazilian’s distribution will be key against Arsenal, who have been a much-improved side under Arteta.
Gini Wijnaldum and Naby Keita should complete the Liverpool midfield against Arsenal. The latter will be a player to watch out for, and can unlock the Arsenal defence is he is on top of his game.
Attack
No changes here as Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino should start in attack, The trio didn’t feature against Lincoln and will be fresh for the game against Arsenal.
The trio have a good record against the Gunners, and will look to test a defence which looks a lot more solid this season.