It’s first vs third within the Premier League this weekend as Liverpool journey to Arsenal in a sport that will likely be keenly watched by Manchester Metropolis, who’re second.
After a interval of dominance by the Cityzens, this season’s title race is shaping as much as be a spectacular spectacle, with solely 5 factors separating first from third. Metropolis have a sport in hand and if Liverpool lose at The Emirates, a win would reduce the hole to 2 granted Pep’s males win their sport.
For The Gunners and Mikel Arteta, this can be a sport the place their title credentials will likely be determined. A loss right here in all probability ends their title problem contemplating the imperious type their rivals are in whereas a win places them proper again within the combine.
Right here’s the match preview, group information, and prediction for the sport as Premier League’s first “enterprise finish” fixture looms massive.
Arsenal vs Liverpool preview
Arsenal have recovered from a mini stumble to win their final two video games, with a commanding 5-0 victory over Crystal Palace adopted by a composed 2-1 win away to Nottingham Forest.
Nonetheless, on the high, the margin of error is extraordinarily slim. That stumble has them wanting in from the skin in a race that’s between Metropolis and Liverpool because it stands. Subsequently, a win is crucial for Arteta’s males if they’re to shake off their tag of “pretenders” and announce themselves as “Contenders”.
There are not any such worries for Liverpool. Klopp’s males are decided to ship their supervisor a farewell current. Klopp’s announcement that he’s leaving Liverpool has had precisely the kind of impact the German would have envisioned.
The group which had already appeared near getting again to its finest seems like a unique animal after the announcement. All the things Klopp touches is popping into gold, maybe personified finest by Conor Bradley’s star flip lately. He will likely be asking for extra of the identical right here.
Arsenal vs Liverpool predicted lineups
Arsenal group information
The damage scenario is fairly clear for Mikel Arteta. Jurrien Timber is just not again earlier than the tip of the season and Thomas Partey has in all probability already performed his final sport for Arsenal.
Mohamed Elneny is getting back from AFCON however he has a decreased function within the group anyway. Fabio Vieira is one to keep watch over for this sport as he might recuperate sufficiently from his groin damage to play a cameo off the bench. Takehiro Tomiyasu is busy with nationwide commitments on the Asia Cup.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya, Zinchenko, Gabriel, Saliba, White, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Liverpool group information
For Klopp and Liverpool, it’s a case of “If it ain’t broke, don’t repair it”. A complete efficiency blew away Chelsea within the final sport. Darwin Nunez’s standing will likely be monitored intently. Though the supervisor stated that nothing was damaged in his foot after somebody stood on it, the swelling wants to return down sufficient that he can put on the boot.
Andrew Robertson had a cameo off the bench towards Chelsea so he would possibly begin right here.
The remainder of the group picks itself and all eyes will likely be on Conor Bradley after his world-class show towards Chelsea.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones, Nunez, Jota, Diaz
Arsenal vs Liverpool prediction
Other than the Etihad Stadium and Anfield itself, a visit to Emirates is arguably the third-toughest journey within the Premier League.
Arteta’s Arsenal has rediscovered the connection between the followers and gamers after it appeared misplaced within the latter days of Wenger after which Unai Emery. The Gunners would undoubtedly begin quick, hoping the gang wills them into supremacy on the identical time.
Finally, the extra assorted assault of Liverpool ought to give them a slight edge. Count on Liverpool to cede possession to Arsenal after which break shortly after profitable the ball excessive up by way of gegenpressing.
Arsenal received’t make it straightforward, however Liverpool have sufficient to see them off in a nervy, shut end.
FootTheBall predicts Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool.