Arsenal host table-toppers Liverpool in a highly exciting game at the Emirates Stadium this weekend.
The Gunners prepare for the fixture having won 2 straight games and regaining their form in recent weeks after a questionable end to 2023. Arsenal travelled away to City Ground earlier this week to take on Nottingham Forest whom they beat comfortably with Gabriel Jesus being the scorer and provider for Bukayo Saka’s goal. Although Arsenal dominated in possession, the game ended a bit nervy for Arsenal when Ayonwiyi found the back of the net in the 89th minute.
Liverpool have been in command in the league, as well as progressing in the other domestic tournaments such as the FA CUP and EFL Cup. Klopp’s men have extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to 10-11 games. The last time Liverpool lost points in the Premier League was in December against Arsenal where both sides were held to a 1-1 draw. Liverpool hosted Chelsea at the Anfield mid-week and cruised past 5 points clear winning 4-1. Conor Bradley, the young teenager was the star of the night with 1 goal and 2 assists.
Can Arteta get a result at home and disrupt Klopp’s good form?
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date: 4th February 2024, Sunday
Time: 22:00 HRS IST
Venue: Emirates Stadium
MATCH OFFICIALS:
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
VAR: David Coote
Assistant VAR: Tim Wood
TEAM NEWS:
Jurien Timber is still recovering from his long term knee injury and is expected to return later this month. Fabio Viera (Groin) and Thomas Partey (thigh) are all still unavailable due to injuries.
With Japan out of Asia Cup, Liverpool will come too soon for Tomiyasu whereas Mo Elneny still hasn’t returned after being eliminated from the AFCON for Egypt.
Mohammed Salah (muscle), Joel Matip (knee), Tsmikas (collarbone), Thiago (hip) and Bajetic (calf) due to injury, while Endo is still away with Japan at the Asian Cup.
Nunez is a fresh doubt after suffering a foot injury in the fixture vs Chelsea, a decision about his fitness is still to be made.
PRE-GAME TACTICAL ANALYSIS:
The last time Liverpool travelled away to the Emirates stadium was last season which ended in a narrow 3-2 defeat to Klopp’s Reds.
It wasn’t long ago that both clubs battled to a draw at the Anfield. Arsenal had many clear-cut chances in the reverse fixture but couldn’t make the most of the chances that they got. Yet again, Arsenal they will try to address their issue lack of finishing in key positions and capitalise on them.
It was Salah on the score sheet in the reverse fixture with smart movements in the box and a top-class finish. Salah’s absence for the fixture might prove to be a decisive factor in this fixture, although Klopp’s options in the attacking setup are very reliable even with his experience.
Mikel Arteta is expected to field the same line up that he did the previous matchweek whereas Klopp could be forced to displace Nunez following a knock on his foot. Robertson and Trent may also be coming into the lineups for the important fixture.
Arsenal again have the chance to prove that they are not just contenders but also the frontrunners in the league, the players need to step up and deliver in a tasty encounter.
Let’s hear what both the managers have to say before the fixture;
Mikel Arteta: “What we need to do is play the way we played in the last two games against them, and be more efficient in the areas that are going to decide the game. [I’m] very excited, it’s always great to prepare a game against Liverpool; how good they are, they dominate every aspect of the game. We play at home, and what I sense is a real sense of positivity and enthusiasm around the place.”
Jurgen Klopp: “It’s tough opponent coming up. We need to be at our absolute best. We have played Arsenal twice recently, both games were not perfect. We won there, but not our usual game. Arsenal were very dominant for a long time, we finished our situations. (In the cup) Arsenal could’ve scored first. I would prefer us to have more moments where we are in charge, which is difficult as good as they are. In home game (Anfield), in the first half they were super physical, in a good way, not kicking. They were really strong.”
KEY PLAYERS:
Bukayo Saka
Although there are people criticising Bukayo Saka of having a ‘slow start’ this season, Arsenal’s Starboy has 10+ Goals and 10+ Assists to his name for a second season in a row. No doubt he’s Arsenal main man when it comes to creating attacks. Saka’s dribbling skills and pace make him a constant threat down the right flank, Robertson might have lots of 1v1 situations. Saka’s vision, work rate and impressive link up play helps the players around. All the above reasons make Saka an important player to keep an eye on against the Merseyside rivals.
Diogo Jota
It’s no doubt that Diogo Jota always makes sure he creates a nuisance when he plays against their North London rivals. He has a remarkable scoring record of 8 goals in 13 appearances against the Gunners. Although he has spent time receiving treatment for majority of the season, Jota looks fresh and sharp coming back into the lineup. In Salah’s absence, he could certainly be their clutch player due to his versatility in attack and flexibility which can keep asking Arsenal’s defence questions.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Emile Smith Rowe, Odegaard, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Liverpool XI vs Arsenal: Allison, Trent, Konate, Van Djk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Jota, Gakpo, Diaz.
