Liverpool will look to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League on Sunday when they visit the Emirates Stadium to play Arsenal.
The Reds have endured a stuttering start to the season and lie ninth in the standings, 13 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City already, albeit with two games in hand. They were held to a 3-3 draw by Brighton at Anfield last weekend, courtesy of a fine Leandro Trossard hat-trick.
Jurgen Klopp’s side enjoyed some breathing space in the Champions League in midweek, beating Rangers 2-0, and the German tactician will hope to use that win as a turning point when his side head to north London.
Liverpool Team News
Curtis Jones could be available for selection after the midfielder participated in full training ahead of the game at Arsenal. But Andy Robertson is still out with a knee problem sustained last month, while Klopp will also be without the services of Arthur Melo, who is expected to go under the knife (h/t The Athletic) and miss a few months of action.
A ruthless Reds display at the Emirates in 2021 ⏪🔥@SCJohnson | #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/MbYMKYv2fU
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 8, 2022
Meanwhile, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continue to be sidelined with their long-term thigh problems.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker, just like most of his teammates this season, has suffered a dip in form. Yet, he remains the Reds’ No.1 and should start between the sticks against Arsenal.
Defence
Jurgen Klopp decided to change his team’s shape from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1/4-4-2 against Rangers, and the plan worked well as Liverpool dominated the Scottish side and enjoyed a professional win.
The Liverpool boss could stick to this formation, with Joel Matip assuming his responsibilities in central defence alongside Virgil van Dijk. Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite his struggles, will keep his place at right-back, with Kostas Tsimikas deputising for the injured Robertson at left-back.
Predicted Liverpool Lineup vs Arsenal
Klopp would expect the entire backline to defend as a unit and offer a lot more protection to Alisson against the Gunners than they have given all season.
Midfield
The double pivot of Thiago Alcantara and Jordan Henderson gave Liverpool more stability and control in midfield against Rangers. Klopp is likely to stick with the duo in the middle of the park to give the shaky defence a bit more security.
Roberto Firmino is a class act in the No.10 role as it allows him to drop deep, pull the strings and get into dangerous areas in the box. The Brazilian has been one of Liverpool’s rare bright sparks and should start after coming on as a substitute against Rangers.
Attack
Liverpool’s front three will likely comprise Diogo Jota, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. Salah will try to weave his magic from the right, while Diaz looks to make a difference on the left flank. Jota, leading the attack, would be eager to get his name on the scoresheet and help his team secure all three points this weekend.
Darwin Nunez will be named on the bench and might come on to impact the game in the latter stages of the game if Liverpool are in need of a goal by then.