Liverpool will lock horns with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening as they try to bag all three points at the English capital and keep themselves in the hunt for the top four in the Premier League standings. The Reds managed to grind out a narrow 1-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers before the international break, so we can expect them to be quietly confident about their chances of getting a win over the Gunners this weekend.
Jurgen Klopp will be worried about the fitness of Roberto Firmino, Caoimhin Kelleher and Divock Origi ahead of this clash on the road. The Merseyside club could potentially leapfrog Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United to the fourth spot in the Premier League table if they can get the better of Mikel Arteta’s men this weekend.
Here are three things Klopp should do to ensure that his players can emerge victorious at North London on Saturday.
Continue To Play Fabinho As His Anchorman In Midfield
Fabinho excelled in his usual position as Liverpool’s primary defensive midfielder before the international break as he helped his team pick up all three points versus Wolves. Hence, Klopp should keep on playing the Brazilian sensation in his natural role so that he can limit the chances Arsenal create on the counter.
Use Curtis Jones And Naby Keita As The Impact Substitutes
Curtis Jones has flattered to deceive with his performances this season, but he is quite fearless in the way he conducts himself in midfield. So the English youngster’s introduction off the bench could help the Reds get a goal late in the game.
Naby Keita is also back from injury and produced an impressive cameo as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Wolves. Klopp should consider using the Guinea international in this game as his energy and dribbling ability could prove crucial if the Merseysiders need a goal in the second half.
Give Thiago Alcantara The Freedom To Express Himself In The Opposition Half
Thiago Alcantara has often been used as a holding midfielder by Klopp. However, he is an excellent ball-distributor who could unlock the Arsenal defence if he is given more freedom to join in on the attack up top. The Spanish playmaker has the experience and quality to excel as a box to box midfielder despite his lack of mobility which can sometimes leave him vulnerable during the opposition’s counter-attacks.
