Last weekend, Manchester United held Liverpool to a draw despite facing an onslaught of attacks. Liverpool, however, bounced back in the EFL Cup quarter-final, securing a 5-1 victory against West Ham United.
Despite their recent home draw, Liverpool remains unbeaten in the Premier League for 10 consecutive games. The last time they faced a top-flight home defeat was nearly 14 months ago. On the other hand, Arsenal reclaimed their top spot in the standings after a victory over Roberto De Zerbi's team, following a disappointing loss to Aston Villa the week before.
Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, is optimistic about their performance and believes they are currently the best team. While the 'winter champions' tag didn't hold up for Arsenal in the previous season, this year presents an opportunity for them to establish themselves as serious title contenders, especially with Manchester City facing challenges.
Although Arsenal stumbled at Villa Park earlier in December, they have a solid track record of bouncing back after away losses. Last season, their encounters with Liverpool were intense, with a 3-2 win at the Emirates and a 2-2 draw at Anfield, where Liverpool came from behind to secure a draw. It's worth noting that Arsenal hasn't emerged triumphant from a top-flight Anfield encounter since 2012.
As both teams vie for supremacy, this clash promises to be a riveting spectacle with the potential to shape the Premier League landscape heading into the Christmas break.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
This weekend, Liverpool will be without several key players due to injuries, including Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota, and the newly injured Ben Doak. Ryan Gravenberch, initially feared to have a hamstring injury after the Man United match, is expected to return to the squad on Saturday after resting midweek due to delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS).Despite Gravenberch's potential return, Curtis Jones has likely caught the attention of manager Jurgen Klopp with an impressive performance, scoring two goals in Wednesday's win against West Ham. Dominik Szoboszlai also answered recent criticism with a remarkable first-half goal.
On the Arsenal side, several players will be unavailable due to injuries, including Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Thomas Partey. The midfield reserves are further weakened by fresh issues for Mohamed Elneny and Jorginho, but both are striving to prove their fitness for Saturday's match. However, it's unlikely for either to break into the settled Arsenal XI, as Kai Havertz, named the Gunners' Player of the Month for November, aims to continue his excellent form.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
Respecting West Ham United, it's important to note that facing a fully fit and rested Arsenal team presents a different challenge for Liverpool compared to playing against a weakened West Ham side. Liverpool's impressive 11-year unbeaten streak against Arsenal at Anfield could be in jeopardy if Klopp's call to the crowd is not overlooked, which seems unlikely.
Although William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes can handle central threats well, there may be some concerns among Arsenal fans about the upcoming battle between Mohamed Salah and Oleksandr Zinchenko. However, Liverpool demonstrated on Wednesday that their previous wastefulness against Manchester United was an isolated incident.
Arsenal has also faced issues with finishing throughout the season, but Arteta's team has a knack for comebacks. Predicting a winner in this captivating matchup is a challenge, as both teams have strengths and weaknesses that make it an intriguing contest.
