The tension is building here in the Football Transfer Tavern as Liverpool prepare to take on Arsenal in what promises to be an exciting game this afternoon.

The hosts have started in pretty decent fashion securing a draw away at Watford and then beating Crystal Palace 1-0 at home, whilst the Gunners will be looking to bounce back from last week’s reverse at the hands of Stoke City.

Liverpool secured their spot in the Champions League with a win over German outfit Hoffenheim in midweek and they will be looking to continue in such high scoring fashion following the 4-2 win.

Arsenal must embrace a season playing in the Europa League next season and a win against Liverpool this afternoon would go a long way towards a suggestion that they can return to the top four during the 2017/18 season.

Ahead of the game at Anfield our regular gin and tonic drinker here in the Tavern, Lee Clarke, looks at three things to look out for in today’s game.

Custodian change for hosts

Reports on Sky Sports have suggested that Simon Mignolet is to be dropped from the squad by boss Jurgen Klopp for the visit of Arsenal and that means that Loris Karius or Danny Ward will be handed the chance to shine.

It represents a massive chance for one of the fringe stoppers to stake their claim for regular first-team football, yet also asks the question of what on earth has occurred between Mignolet and Klopp.

It could simply be a change for the better of the team, with the Belgian never too far away from a clanger, however it could also indicate that the ex-Sunderland man is being edged towards the exit door ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline.

Lacazette to make his mark

The Frenchman arrived at the Emirates Stadium in the summer and netted on his Premier League debut during a win against Leicester City.

The club’s record signing has been signed to score the goals which ensure that Arsenal pick up ample points across the campaign but he will most certainly be judged on how he gets on against the better sides in the division.

Although the former Lyon man is to begin the game on the bench this afternoon, his all-action style is likely to be unleashed on Liverpool at some point and he will look to exploit a dodgy back four.

Goals galore

Liverpool were devastating during the first-half of their Champions League game in midweek and they will look to continue that rich vein of form in front of goal here.

The front three of Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino has the potential to be lethal and the Gunners must also keep an eye out for goals coming from the likes of Emre Can in midfield.

On the other hand the Gunners are still one of the most entertaining teams to watch when they try and play football – something which Arsene Wenger cannot be knocked for over the years.

With a Liverpool back four still searching for consistency the visitors to Anfield will definitely be trying to play on the front foot from the off and that should set us up for a pretty open contest.

Liverpool and Arsenal fans, are you hopeful ahead of today’s game? What will the score be? Let us know in the comments below!!!