Midfield duo to miss Anfield trip | Expected Arsenal line-up (4-3-3) vs Liverpool as Arteta Men set for tough battle today away from Emirates
Arsenal face Liverpool in today’s much-awaited Premier League clash at Anfield.
The Gunners returned to winning ways last weekend with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion. The club lacked the cutting edge with his finishing, but came on top in the end with goals from Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
The north London giants now travel to Merseyside for a potential title-decider. A draw would be sufficient to sustain their place at the top of the table, but manager Mikel Arteta will want to end the club’s 11-year wait for a league win at Anfield.
Formation: 4-3-3
Predicted Line-up:
David Raya has started every league game since the September international break aside from the Brentford match where he was ineligible to face his parent club.
Aaron Ramsdale was sensational in the 2-2 draw at Anfield last season, but Arteta is expected to continue with Raya, who is more composed with his overall distribution.
In front of him, it should be the same backline. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are set to line up in the right and left-back positions respectively against the Reds.
Zinchenko was partly guilty for Liverpool’s equaliser last season after his mistake allowed Trent Alexander-Arnold’s to deliver the cross for Robert Firmino’s goal. He will be aiming to make amends.
In central defence, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are undisputed starters. Saliba was dearly missed in the 2-2 draw at Anfield last term following his back injury.
With the duo anticipated to miss out, it should be the same midfield trio from last weekend.
Declan Rice was brilliant in the number six position role against Brighton. His aggression and ability to make forward runs with the ball was much admired by the fans.
The club’s record summer signing is expected to line up in the same role with Kai Havertz and Martin Odegaard playing higher up in the central midfield positions.
Havertz has grown in confidence with every game since the last international break. The German scored a vital second goal last weekend to relieve the late pressure.
The Norwegian is unplayable on his day but has gone through some games where he tends to struggle. Arsenal need him at his best to end their Anfield hoodoo this evening.
Further forward, it should be a straightforward choice for Arteta. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli should start on the right and left wing with Gabriel Jesus up front.
Jesus has been in good form either side of his hamstring injury. He has registered seven goal contributions in his last seven starts. He scored and assisted against Liverpool last term.
How Arsenal could line up vs Liverpool
