It has been a tragic time for those of a Liverpool persuasion here in the Transfer Tavern with their side slipping down the league table at a frantic pace of late.

Monday night’s 3-1 reverse at the hands of Leicester City only served to upset the Reds’ faithful even more with many fans staying in the Tavern until late on Monday evening to drown their sorrows away.

The Reds’ chances of finishing in the top four look incredibly slim right now and they will need a meteoric upturn in fortunes if they are to rescue their season from mediocrity.

Today sees the Reds take on Arsenal at Anfield in what promises to be an enthralling game between two sides who have ambitions of securing Champions League football for next season.

The Tavern writer Lee Clarke looks at two players who should definitely start for the club in today’s game against the Gunners.

Ragnar Klavan

Liverpool’s summer signing was left out of proceedings against Leicester City, with Brazilian midfielder Lucas instead preferred at the heart of the Reds’ defence.

The Estonian must be restored against the Gunners and the experiment with Lucas playing out of position looks flawed to say the very least.

The Reds will need to be strong at the back against a lively Arsenal front line and Klavan’s inclusion could be majorly important for the team.

Loris Karius

The stopper was dropped earlier in the season following some erratic form between the posts for Liverpool, but not could be the time for him to be reinstated to the side.

Karius came in form some criticism from the Liverpool supporters here in the Tavern, although the majority of them are now in agreement that he should be handed the chance to revive his personal form.