A mouth-watering fixture lies ahead of us as Liverpool are scheduled to host Arsenal at the Anfield on Monday in what will be the third outing of the 2020-21 Premier League campaign for both the English giants.
While Jurgen Klopp’s men have won both of their opening league games, clinching victories over Leeds United and Chelsea, the Gunners are also yet to drop points following their wins over Fulham and West Ham United.
It goes without saying that these two clans will step out with their guns blazing and here are three key battles on which the final result of the upcoming fixture between last season’s Premier League and FA Cup winners could hinge.
Georginio Wijnaldum vs. Dani Ceballos
Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum operates from the middle of the park and controls the vital area to nullify the opposition’s offensive forays. Generally, the Dutchman is imperious and uses his calmness to carry the ball forward from the deep, which is why he is integral to Klopp’s system.
After having impressed Mikel Arteta during his loan spell in the previous campaign, Dani Ceballos will look to make an impact against a top side like Liverpool. Ceballos has been widely applauded for his tenacity and astonishing work-rate and it will be intriguing to see how he manages to deal with Wijnaldum.
Trent Alexander-Arnold vs. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Blessed with searing pace and acceleration, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is an intelligent full-back who hardly puts a foot wrong during a game. Defensively, the 21-year-old is a resolute player, and the fact that he reads the game brilliantly makes him a complete package.
Arteta is likely to chalk Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on the left-wing and his battles against Alexander-Arnold will be fascinating to watch. Aubameyang is a no-nonsense attacker with an eye to score goals and to create chances and Klopp’s men must keep him at bay if they are to win the game.
Sadio Mane vs. Gabriel Magalhaes
Having bagged a brace against Chelsea on Sunday, Sadio Mane must be brimming with confidence and he will strive to cause all sorts of problems for Arsenal’s backline. He is a threatening player who comes up with end products on most of the occasions and his shot selection is exemplary.
The Senegalese attacker will clash against Arteta’s summer recruit Gabriel Magalhaes who is expected to be summoned to feature as the centre-back. Although Gabriel has impressed in his first two league games for his new employers, facing Mane will be the daunting task for him.
