Despite Arsenal's defeat to West Ham United on December 28, manager Mikel Arteta insisted they were superior in both boxes, but the loss to Fulham highlighted their vulnerabilities, especially in defending set-pieces.
Arsenal's recent festive struggles have seen them drop to fourth place, with just one win in their last six games. The team is now focusing on the FA Cup, a competition they have won a record 14 times. However, since winning it in 2020, they have failed to progress beyond the fourth round.
Liverpool, currently leading the Premier League, are eager to add another FA Cup to their cabinet. Their New Year's Day victory over Newcastle, where they recorded an impressive 7.27 expected goals, has given them a three-point advantage over Aston Villa.
Liverpool's away form has been strong, scoring in 18 consecutive games since April's 0-0 draw at Chelsea. Despite their dominance, they faced a premature exit from the FA Cup last season and have struggled against Arsenal in recent FA Cup meetings.
The upcoming clash is a chance for both teams to make their mark in the FA Cup and overcome recent setbacks. Arsenal aims to end their FA Cup drought, while Liverpool seeks redemption for their previous exits and hopes to continue their strong form in the competition.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Fresh off recovering from a calf injury and making a second-half appearance at Craven Cottage, Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu is now representing Japan in the Asian Cup. Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny is away on Africa Cup of Nations duty. However, Thomas Partey, still in the recovery phase from thigh surgery, won't take any risks, and Jurrien Timber (ACL) and Fabio Vieira (groin) are confirmed absentees for the upcoming third-round match.Concerns also surround Oleksandr Zinchenko's fitness as he missed the Fulham match due to a calf issue. Arsenal could potentially be without a recognized left-back against Liverpool. However, these selection concerns are expected to be less of a problem this time.
Liverpool, on the other hand, faces the absence of Mohamed Salah during Egypt's AFCON campaign. Wataru Endo, a growing presence in the Premier League, is also away on Japan duty. Key players like Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago Alcantara, Stefan Bajcetic, Andrew Robertson, and Joel Matip are unavailable due to various injuries. Additionally, Dominik Szoboszlai, who experienced hamstring pain during the Newcastle win, adds to Jurgen Klopp's injury woes.
After their encounter at the Emirates, Arsenal will enjoy a 13-day break, while Liverpool will quickly resume action in the EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham. This schedule difference suggests possible rotation for Liverpool's Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Ryan Gravenberch in the upcoming days.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Jota, Gakpo, Diaz
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
While a full-strength Liverpool team would be favored to secure a win at the Emirates this weekend, the loss of an irreplaceable attacker like Salah may lead Klopp's side to be held to a draw. Arsenal, motivated to correct recent shortcomings, could force a replay that neither manager desired.
