Arsenal will lock horns with Liverpool at Anfield on Thursday night, hoping to pick up a win in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup competition. The Gunners will be heading into the contest on the back of a disappointing 1-0 loss to Championship side Nottingham Forest, whereas the Reds recorded a 4-1 win against Shrewsbury on January 9.
Team News
Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp pulled a rabbit out of the hat when he revealed that all the covid-19 positive cases were false, barring Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Trent and Ali trained yesterday. Div and Thiago not. That’s it pretty much.
“Like always in these times, all players, apart from the injured ones or in Africa playing [the] Africa Cup of Nations, who test negative should be available.
“Harvey Elliott looks really promising, out on the pitch – didn’t train with the team yet but I don’t think we are too far away from team training. What he’s doing in the moment looks really good.
“Robbo got a little knock in the Shrewsbury game but is fine. I’m not sure if I forgot anybody but the rest are available.”
Apart from that, the Reds will be without the services of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Naby Keita as they are currently at the African Cup of Nations. Divock Origi and Thiago Alcantara are also injured.
Arsenal
Granit Xhaka missed the FA Cup clash after testing positive for Covid-19, whereas Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe were out with minor injuries. However, Arteta has confirmed that their availability in midweek would depend on further assessments.
“Again, it depends how they evolve. They were injured.” – The Spaniard stated.
“They could not play – the same as Gabi who was suspended – and I don’t know. We have to see in the next few days how they are.”
Besides, Nicolas Pepe, Thomas Partey, Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are currently at the AFCON.
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Talking Tactics
Jurgen Klopp will probably opt for the 4-3-3 formation with several tweaks from the last game. In defence, Joel Matip might get the nod over Ibhrahima Konate, whereas Alisson Becker looks likely to make his way back into the starting eleven.
The German tactician will be looking to make the most of Arsenal’s crisis in defence as a couple of key players are set to miss out on the clash. However, it would be interesting to see how effectively they can make their chances count in the absence of the deadly Salah-Mane duo.
On the other hand, Arteta is set to continue with his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation as well, with Alexandre Lacazette expected to lead the line for the visitors on Thursday. With a relatively inexperienced midfield, the Gunners might have a tough time trying to control the proceedings at the centre of the park.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool: Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Matip, Milner; Fabinho, Jones, Henderson; Minamino, Jota, Oxlade-Chamberlain
Arsenal: Ramsdale; Cedric, White, Holding, Tierney; Sambi Lokonga, Patino; Martinelli, Lacazette; Saka
Prediction
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
