Arsenal visit Anfield next to face Liverpool and if the recent history is taken into consideration, this fixture has always promised many goals. Here are the three battles that could decide the fate of the game on Sunday.
Alexandre Lacazette vs Joel Matip
The new Arsenal forward will get his first taste of a real high tempo Premier League game when he visits Anfield to face Liverpool this Sunday. Arsenal have declared Alexis Sanchez fit to be in contention for the starting line-up and if the Chilean starts alongside Lacazette, Liverpool will have a formidable attack to defend against. Lacazette has found the back of the net two times in two games so far and while the second one was wrongfully ruled offside, it exhibited Lacazette’s high-quality finishing. He excels in finding spaces and has brilliant movements in and around the opponent’s D-box which will be a thorn for Liverpool.
Liverpool had numerous scares in their midweek game against Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim, who found the Reds out of position quite often. And Jurgen Klopp would know such flaws could severely punish them when Arsenal visit. The gigantic Joel Matip would be wary of Lacazette’s pace and would try to stay behind him always to prevent Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil or Sanchez from releasing the Frenchman into the acres of space behind him.
Sadio Mane vs Hector Bellerin
Sadio Mane has always been brilliant against Arsenal and in the absence of Phillipe Coutinho, has a doubled responsibility from the left flank to charge at the defence at every opportunity. He will be up against Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard was played on the left flank against Stoke City and while he got numerous runs to perfection, the crossing remained a concern.
After Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s failed show against Stoke City, Arsene Wenger should keep Bellerin in his natural position and given the phenomenal pace that Mane has on and off the ball, no one other than Bellerin would be able to catch him if Liverpool manage to hit Arsenal on the counter.
Mohamed Salah vs Sead Kolasinac
Mohamed Salah, like most Liverpool players, will be tired following an enduring Champions League qualifying game in the midweek and will be up against Arsenal’s Sead Kolasinac. The Egyptian has wasted no time in making an impact in the Premier League. Klopp will bank on him heavily on Sunday. His poaching instincts and movements could be dangerous for Arsenal.
While Sead Kolasinac will not be able to match his pace, the Bosnian is clearly stronger than him and could be superior in aerial duels. Arsenal’s three-man defence would mean Kolasinac can afford to be adventurous with his offensive runs as there will be Nacho Monreal covering him. This could be a weak link for the Gunners and also turn vice versa.
