Liverpool will be back in Premier League action on Saturday when they welcome league leaders Arsenal to Anfield.
The Reds advanced to the Carabao Cup semi-finals in style by smashing West Ham United 5-1 at home on Wednesday evening. The way they played against the Hammers was the ideal response to the disappointing 0-0 draw with Manchester United in the Premier League last weekend.
The Jurgen Klopp-managed side’s focus will now shift to the encounter against Arsenal, who have won four out of their last five league games and head to Merseyside off the back of a comprehensive 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion.
Liverpool Team News
Despite being optimistic he would be fit for the weekend, Alexis Mac Allister has now been ruled out until January. Young Scottish player Ben Doak has sustained a torn lateral meniscus, requiring surgery.
However, there are positive updates regarding Ryan Gravenberch and Diogo Jota. Gravenberch, who had to leave the pitch in the recent match against Manchester United, has luckily not suffered a hamstring injury as feared. Nonetheless, the Dutchman missed the midweek cup game against West Ham. Jota is back doing ball work but not in team training, so the forward is definitely out against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Andy Robertson and Thiago Alcantara are working towards a comeback in the New Year, with the latter potentially being fit for the FA Cup third-round clash.
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Alisson Becker will return in goal on Saturday, after Caoimhin Kelleher started in the 5-1 win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The Brazilian has to produce a top performance to keep a clean sheet against a potent Arsenal attack.
Defence
Ibrahima Konate replaced Virgil van Dijk in the second half against West Ham but is likely to start on Saturday. He will partner Van Dijk in central defence, and the duo must stay disciplined and focused throughout the game to keep the Gabriel Jesus-led attack quiet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold came off the bench to help Liverpool smash West Ham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. One of Klopp’s most trusted players, he is certain to operate from the right-back position against the Gunners. Kostas Tsimikas has proven to be an able deputy for the injured Andy Robertson and deserves to retain his spot at left-back.
Midfield
Curtis Jones staked his claim for another start with a brace against West Ham in the midweek cup fixture. Dominik Szoboszlai, who had an ordinary outing against Man United, scored in the 5-1 win over West Ham as well. The duo, ideally, deserve to retain their spots in the middle of the park.
With Alexis Mac Allister ruled out until January, Wataru Endo is certain to continue in the No.6 role for Liverpool. His presence at the base of the midfield will allow Jones and Szoboszlai to wreak havoc in the final third against Arsenal.
Attack
Mohamed Salah came off the bench and scored in the big win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup. He is a sure-fire starter on the right flank, while Luis Diaz should get the nod on the opposite wing.
Despite Cody Gakpo scoring in midweek, Jurgen Klopp could persist with Darwin Nunez up top. Gakpo, Harvey Elliot and Ryan Gravenberch could be involved at some point in the second half of the game.