Liverpool have a huge game ahead of them this weekend, as Jurgen Klopp’s side host Arsenal in a game that could play a key role in the Champions League race…
Both sides have endured indifferent starts to the campaign, with the Reds drawing with Watford before beating Crystal Palace and Arsenal beating Leicester City then losing to Stoke, and a negative result could be detrimental ahead of the early season international break.
As the home side, Liverpool will be expected to snatch a positive result off of their top-four rivals and a failure to do so will raise questions about Klopp’s side – particularly his decision not to spend further in the transfer market.
With Philippe Coutinho’s future also continuing to be shrouded in speculation, a loss this weekend could be catastrophic to the Merseyside giants’ plans and Klopp needs a full-strength side to compete accordingly.
Hit the navigation buttons below to see the XI Klopp needs to select against Arsenal!
GK: Simon Mignolet
Firmly established as Liverpool’s number one goalkeeper once again after Loris Karius’ struggles following his signing last summer, the Belgian stopper needs to maintain his performances or he risks dropping down to the substitute bench.
A starring performance against a top-side like Arsenal will certainly help his claim to maintain his position in the first-team and could help his standing in the international set-up too, as Mignolet will be ready to step-in should Thibaut Courtois suffer injury.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
With Nathaniel Clyne continuing to sit on the sidelines due to injury, Trent Alexander-Arnold has the chance to make the position his own and a stellar performance against Hoffenheim in the first-leg of their Champions League playoff showed that he’s capable of performing on the big stage.
The 20-year-old still has a lot to prove but a solid display in the Premier League against Arsenal would certainly help him with his quest to stay ahead of Clyne in the pecking order when the England international returns from injury.
CB: Joel Matip
The Cameroonian defender was one of the signings of the summer last year, especially as he didn’t cost Liverpool a penny, and this year he has the chance to establish himself as one of the finest defenders in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s defensive line may well undergo changes in the months ahead, particularly in future transfer windows, but Matip is likely to remain a mainstay within Jurgen Klopp’s side and he’s the figure a defence can be built around.
CB: Dejan Lovren
The more experienced of Liverpool’s defensive pairing, Croatian ace Dejan Lovren has often been criticised for a lack of consistency and has historically struggled up against the Premier League’s finest. Therefore, Alexandre Lacazette could certainly give him a run for his money this weekend.
Lovren is capable of being a match winner at the other end through set-pieces though and Arsenal’s defensive struggles in these situations are something that can be exploited. However, he’ll need to help resolve Liverpool’s own mishaps from dead-ball situations.
LB: James Milner
Alberto Moreno was at sea throughout the first-leg of the Champions League clash with Hoffenheim and showed he’s not capable of being a leading man for Liverpool. The Reds have brought Andrew Robertson this window but need to bleed him into the side carefully, so a clash with Arsenal may come too soon.
James Milner showed his versatility when deputising at left-back last season and can continue to do a job when needed. Robertson is certainly the man moving forward but Liverpool need to look towards Milner this weekend.
CM: Emre Can
The German ace’s contract situation continues to rumble on at Anfield but there’s fair less of a story being made of it than Arsenal’s own contract mishaps, where Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez have entered the final 12 months of their deals.
Liverpool are understandably desperate to keep Can in their side and winning matches against the likes of Arsenal can help them with their cause, as it shows the Reds are capable of going toe-to-toe with the division’s finest and potentially winning major honours.
CM: Georginio Wijnaldum
Another important figure within Jurgen Klopp’s midfield, Georginio Wijnaldum’s role in the side this weekend against Arsenal is crucial as he can cause the Gunners all sorts of problems. With his presence in the middle of the park, Liverpool can prevent Arsenal’s attack from firing on all cylinders.
Blocking the route from defence to attack will be crucial to preventing Liverpool from being exploited by Arsenal’s free-flowing attacking play. He’ll also be important on the counter, where Liverpool can exploit the spaces that the Gunners leave open.
CM: Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool skipper has a lot to prove this season as Liverpool look to kick on, as he needs to show himself to be a leader that can drive the Reds through a successful European campaign as well as a solid performance in the Premier League, something which they’ve struggled to do in recent years.
Liverpool still look lacking when compared to the top sides domestically and on the continent but that’s something that can only be resolved slowly. This season is a stern test for Liverpool and Henderson.
RW: Mohamed Salah
Rested in the victory over Crystal Palace, Mohamed Salah is still settling into the intensity of the Premier League following his return to English football from Italy but the Egyptian can be a crucial asset this weekend.
Arsenal have looked extremely vulnerable in the wide defensive areas during the opening two games of the season and that’s likely to continue, as the Gunners’ approach of playing with attacking wing-backs will leave plenty of space for Salah to exploit.
LW: Sadio Mane
Equally as important as Salah in the clash with Arsenal, Sadio Mane will look to cause the Gunners defence problems and he’ll likely be licking his lips this weekend about the possibility of facing off against Hector Bellerin – who’s looked out of sorts so far.
Following his winning goal against Crystal Palace, Mane has proved that he’s Liverpool’s most valuable player and he will become even more important if Philippe Coutinho leaves. In some cases, Mane’s class even suggests that Liverpool should take the money for their Brazilian ace and run.
ST: Roberto Firmino
The Brazilian has a strong record against Arsenal and will look to continue that this weekend, although he may find opportunities difficult to come by up against a three-man defensive line. Therefore, his hold-up play needs to be crucial to allow his team-mates to drive forward and provide support.
