Arsenal will be hoping to bounce back to winning form when they host newly-crowned Premier League champions, Liverpool, on Wednesday. The Gunners are coming on the back of a disappointing derby day defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, meaning they are now winless in their last two league matches. Another defeat this week could potentially allow Burnley to overtake them in the league table.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have recovered well, following a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City. They have secured back to back wins over Aston Villa and Brighton & Hove Albion respectively. But, they were held by Burnley in their last game and would be desperate to seal all three points against Arsenal as they look to reach the 100 point milestone.
Arsenal Vs Liverpool Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta could revert to a four-man backline this week, especially after how the 3-4-3 backfired against Jose Mourinho’s traditional setup. And with Liverpool boasting the services of three key defenders, the Spaniard may opt for a 4-3-3, although it remains to be seen how they cope with the Reds’ offensive trifecta.
Liverpool
Klopp, meanwhile, is unlikely to tinker with his trusted 4-3-3 formation. The midfield trio, as mentioned earlier, is set to play a key role in the second line of press. They will be looking to minimise the influence of Arsenal playmakers through their counter-pressing while the fullbacks are set to provide width into the attack.
Team News
Arsenal
Arteta has hinted that he might rest some of his key players after largely sticking to his guns over the past few weeks. Kieran Tierney, for one, is expected to get a breather, with Sead Kolasinac starting at left-back of a four-man defence. Bukayo Saka is pushing for a start as well, at the expense of Nicolas Pepe at right-wing.
Predicted XI: Martinez; Bellerin, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac; Torreira, Xhaka; Saka, Ceballos, Aubameyang; Lacazette.
Liverpool
Klopp started two of his younger players in the draw with Burnley. He could revert those changes this week, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, in particular, replacing Neco Williams at right-back. We may see Naby Keita returning to central midfield, at the expense of Curtis Jones, though Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is also an option.
Predicted XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Keita, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Key Men
Arsenal
Dani Ceballos has been Arsenal’s best performer since the lockdown. The Spaniard, on loan from Real Madrid, has gone through a massive improvement as he’s now more willing to work hard for his teammates and commit himself into tackles. His overall influence has also significantly improved, and it will be crucial against a Liverpool side that has struggled defensively over the past few weeks.
Liverpool
Liverpool will pin their hopes on Mohamed Salah to get them over the line this week. The Egyptian international is among the players still fighting for the topscorer title and a solid performance against Arsenal should help his cause while simultaneously helping Liverpool get back to winning ways.
