The Reds had an outstanding record against the top six sides last season, where they won five and drew five of the total 10 games, and they would hope to better or at least sustain it when they host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. The North London side suffered a poor defeat against Stoke City last week and aren’t approaching the game as the favourites.
Whenever they both have met, the match has showered goals and Sunday isn’t expected to be any different. However, Liverpool go into the fixture on the back of a tiring UEFA Champions League playoff fixture and Arsenal would hope to catch their opponent off guard.
Team News
Liverpool- Jurgen Klopp will miss Phillipe Coutinho as he continues to recover from a back injury. The Brazilian international has been a hot subject in the transfer market with La Liga side Barcelona hot on his heels. It will be appropriate that he returns after the international break as he is scheduled to.
Alexandre Trent Arnold and Emre Can have had knocks in the Champions League game but Klopp is expected to see them returning for the game. Nathaniel Clyne is expected to return from his muscle injury but the manager is hardly expected to start him. Among the long-term absentees remain Mamadou Sakho and Adam Lallana. Midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum had returned to Netherlands for the birth of his third child but should be available.
Arsenal- Given the dire situation of their defence, the return of skipper Laurent Koscielny seems like a bigger boost for Arsenal than Alexis Sanchez. The French centre half completed his three-match suspension last game and is expected to start in Arsenal’s back three.
Sanchez comes into the game fit and Arsene Wenger is more than likely to hand him a chance against a side that is susceptible to counter attacks. Apart from the injured Santiago Cazorla and partly unfit Calum Chambers, Wenger should have a largely fit squad at his disposal for the game.
Predicted Lineup
Liverpool- Mignolet; Robertson, Lovren, Matip, Joe; Wijnaldum, Milner, Henderson; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Arsenal- Cech; Monreal, Koscielny, Mustafi; Kolasinac, Xhaka, Ramsey, Bellerin; Sanchez, Ozil; Lacazette
Key Players
Liverpool- The two wide forwards, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, remains the biggest threat for Arsenal going into the game and they would want to keep them quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
Arsenal- The return of Alexis Sanchez, of course, remains, the main talking point of the game and Wenger wouldn’t want to repeat the same mistake he did last time when Arsenal visited Anfield. Lacazette has already opened his account and would fancy his chances in a more open game.
Odds
Liverpool @ 11/10
Draw @ 13/5
Arsenal @ 21/10