Following the end of the international break, Arsenal resume their Premier League campaign on Saturday as they take on defending champions Liverpool. The Gunners had made an extraordinary comeback to draw with West Ham in their last game, but things could get much trickier against the Reds, who are undisputedly one of the strongest teams in Europe despite their poor form in the league this season.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Arsenal Lineup Vs Liverpool
Defence
Mikel Arteta is likely to be blessed with a largely fit defensive unit, so naturally, he will face some selection dilemma.
Especially in the right-back unit, both Cedric Soares and Hector Bellerin have competed fiercely, but judging by form, the Portuguese international might just get the nod ahead of the ex-La Masia prodigy.
Arteta should face no such dilemma on the opposite flank with Kieran Tierney pretty much a guaranteed starter, due to his quality as well as the lack of depth available at left-back.
In central defence, the Brazilian combo of David Luiz and Gabriel Magalhaes have largely been preferred in recent weeks and that is unlikely to change this weekend. Pablo Mari, Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, though, do provide Arteta with an ample amount of defensive reinforcements.
Bernd Leno, meanwhile, remains a guaranteed starter in between the sticks, ahead of Runar Alex Runarsson and Mat Ryan.
Midfield
Arteta is currently not dealing with too many injury problems in midfield either, meaning he will have the privilege of starting with both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka at the base of the 4-2-3-1.
It will be interesting to see how the duo performs against the likes of Fabinho, Georginio Wijnaldum and Thiago, with Dani Ceballos offering a more creative alternative should Arsenal require more penetration going forward.
Attack
One of Arsenal’s key players in Bukayo Saka remains a massive doubt heading into this game. The youngster could not participate during the international break due to his hamstring issue and is likely to miss out against Liverpool.
Saka’s potential absence should pave the way for Nicolas Pepe to start at right-wing, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being deployed on the opposite flank. The pace and trickery of these two individuals mean they are likely to be used as runners, in what could be a counter-attacking approach.
Alexandre Lacazette should spearhead the attack for the Gunners, although the onus will be on Martin Odegaard, in the number ten role, to offer those balls forward to utilise the pace and work-ethic of his fellow attacking teammates.
