Arsenal, coming off consecutive wins in the Premier League, are getting ready for the big clash against Liverpool at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta had wanted a stern response from his players after three losses in a row, and the wins over Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest indeed served as an answer of sorts.
Gabriel Jesus was the star of the show away at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground, a venue where Arsenal had not won in their last three visits. The Brazilian scored the opener and provided the second for Bukayo Saka to double the lead. The Gunners ended the game in a wobbly fashion after Taiwo Awoniyi got a goal back but took the three points in the end.
As for facing this Liverpool side, Arsenal may have a lot more to lose than their Reds. The Gunners sit five points behind their rivals on the table in third, and a win would bring them closer and firmly back into the race. However, a loss would mean eight points for Arteta’s men to claw back, which in the current climate of the Premier League will seem like a mountain to climb.
Liverpool are also coming on the back of a fantastic period of football across all competitions as the Reds are firmly settled on all fronts. Jurgen Klopp seemed up for the challenge to take on their title rivals, as his team made a statement of sorts by beating Chelsea 4-1 at Anfield.
Manchester City are the closest team breathing down Liverpool’s neck. They might be five points away. But Pep Guardiola’s men have a game in hand over the Reds. Hence, the title race does seem like a tight one for the remainder of the season, one where Klopp would love to triumph.
The game against Arsenal is crucial from Liverpool’s point of view, as they must beat the Gunners. They did taste victory at the Emirates recently in the FA Cup. But expecting the North Londoners to squander their chances in the Premier League will be an underestimating Arteta’s charges, as we are set for one monumental game of football on Sunday.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira were the expected absentees for this clash, with the former still a long way off returning to action following his ACL injury earlier in the season. The latter may have built some fitness lately, especially during Arsenal’s trip to Dubai. But he remains out for the time being.
Despite Thomas Partey resuming training last week, Mikel Arteta has revealed the midfielder has had a setback after he felt something in the same area. Hence, the Ghanaian remains out for the Liverpool encounter, meaning the Arsenal manager must rely on his current options.
Kai Havertz started from the bench in midweek, which saw Emile Smith Rowe make the first Premier League start in a long time. That decision was a hint at the German starting against Liverpool on Sunday, with Arteta likely to keep him, Declan Rice and Martin Odegard in the midfield three.
The rest of the squad will likely stay intact, with Gabriel Jesus set to lead the line for the Gunners. Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will provide the wide options, while Arsenal will stock a strong bench consisting of Jorginho, Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Smith Rowe and Reiss Nelson.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
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