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Match preview
Arsenal are top of the table and belief is sky-high, but this’ll be the biggest test of their new found confidence and resilience.
Last weekend, the Gunners dominated throughout and beat Tottenham 3-1 in the North London Derby.
Thomas Party’s rocket, Gabriel Jesus’ tap-in and then Granit Xhaka’s calm finish all resulting in wild celebrations.
So, having won seven of eight Premier League games so far, Mikel Arteta’s team start the weekend top, a point clear of Manchester City.
Amazingly, at kick off, Liverpool are a whopping 11 points below their hosts, as a result of their less than impressive start.
Jürgen Klopp’s team drew 3-3 with Brighton last weekend, going 2-0 down before leading 3-2, but then conceding a late equaliser.
Both clubs were involved in European competition this week, both enjoying routine home wins.
On Tuesday, Liverpool swatted aside Rangers in the Champions League, courtesy of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s magnificent free-kick and then Mohamed Salah’s impudent penalty.
In the Europa League, Arsenal comfortably saw off Bodø/Glimt on Thursday; Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Fábio Vieira on target.
Here, given that Arsenal are 27 games without a draw, dating back to 23 January, a new club record, this one is unlikely to end all square.
Can Arsenal keep their excellent form going, or will Liverpool get back on track with a statement victory in North London?
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta made eight changes against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday, with only Gabriel, Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Martinelli remaining in the XI.
However, it seems extremely likely that he’ll name the same team here that took to the field against Tottenham last weekend.
Thomas Partey and Oleksandr Zinchenko were given the night off in midweek, but will return here.
Gabriel Jesus has scored five times in his career against the Reds, but is one booking away from suspension.
Reiss Nelson is the only Arsenal player to score a Premier League winning goal against Liverpool in seven and a half years, this coming in July 2020.
Liverpool team news
Jürgen Klopp switched to a 4-2-3-1 against Rangers on Tuesday, deviating away from his tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 for the first time since November 2020.
In all likelihood, this was a specific game-plan for that match, with Fabinho likely to return to stiffen up midfield.
With Andy Robertson sidelined, Kostas Tsimikas will continue to deputise at left-back.
Naby Keïta, Curtis Jones and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are out, but Thiago’s recent return to fitness is a big boost.
Liverpool have won 65% of Premier League games with him in, compared to 51% without, since the Spaniard’s debut.
Darwin Núñez will be hoping to add to his two goals for the club; Mo Salah has scored eight in 13 appearances against Arsenal.
