Arsenal ensured they moved to the top of the table after the win over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend and did so with their most potent lineup available to Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard will likely keep all those players intact and name an unchanged side to face Liverpool at Anfield.
During his pre-match press conference, Arteta emphasised on the importance of preparing well for a clash like this. He also provided some fitness updates, without ruling anyone out of surprise ahead of the daunting trip to Anfield.
On the game ahead, this is what Arteta said, “The way we’re going to prepare the game is what we have to do to play better than them, to beat them and to focus on our supporters as well. And I’m sure that a lot of them are going to show up tomorrow there and they’re going to be supporting the team, like always. “
On the fitness of his players, Arteta ruled out Thomas Partey and Jorginho while casting doubts on Mohamed Elneny’s participation.
Arteta said, “Thomas Partey is still finalising his rehab. He still hasn’t trained with the team yet. Mo Elneny will hopefully join us this afternoon to see how he feels about it. For the rest, no news. Jorginho is still a doubt.”
Beyond that, only Jurrien Tomber, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Fabio Vieira remain sidelined. Emile Smith Rowe is fit and will take his place on the bench like last weekend. Other than that, Arteta will name an unchanged lineup from the Brighton win.
David Raya will start between the sticks, although some will remember Aaron Ramsdale’s late heroics to keep Arsenal in the game at Anfield. Ben White will continue playing in the right-back role, while Oleksandr Zinchenko starts at left-back.
William Saliba was a big miss for Arsenal in their title run-in and will get the chance to experience the ‘Anfield atmosphere’ as he starts alongside regular defensive partner Gabriel Magalhaes. Declan Rice remains the undisputed leader of this Gunners midfield.
Kai Havertz has done no harm to his starting role in the last few weeks, and he will hope to hurt Liverpool in different ways. Skipper Martin Odegaard will keep his place on the right side of the midfield while operating in a slightly deeper position again.
The front three will remain unchanged like the rest of the team, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli starting on the wings. They will support Gabriel Jesus in his central role, while Eddie Nketiah, Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard will provide the firepower off the bench at some stage during the game.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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