Liverpool has not scored in any of the last four editions of the Liverpool-Chelsea match, but they were more satisfied with the outcome of the most recent match. Klopp is confident that his brimming collection of medals from his time at Anfield will prevent him from sharing the same fate as other notable victims of recent managerial sackings.
Liverpool's recent form, with three losses and a draw in their last four games in all competitions, suggests a team embroiled in a relegation dogfight rather than the hunt for Champions League qualification. The Reds have dropped to eighth spot in the table, ten points worse off than fourth-placed Manchester United, who have played the same number of matches.
Despite their recent poor form, Liverpool has been successful on familiar territory this term. Only Arsenal, Manchester United, and Manchester City have performed better on their home turf. Klopp's side has taken 16 points from the last 18 on offer at home, keeping clean sheets in each of their last four. Arsenal could do with taking a leaf out of Real Madrid's book rather than Manchester United's when it comes to Anfield preparations.
Arsenal, already guaranteed to finish with their best points total since the 2016-17 campaign, retained their eight-point lead over Manchester City in first place thanks to their drubbing of Leeds. Arsenal is out to win their eighth Premier League game on the bounce this weekend, as well as their fourth in a row away from home. They are far and away the best-performing side on their travels with 34 points taken from a possible 42. Moreover, the Gunners have scored at least three goals in each of their last five Premier League victories.
However, Arsenal's away record against Liverpool is not great, as the Reds are unbeaten in nine Premier League home games against the visitors. Liverpool has won each of their last six by a 22-4 aggregate scoreline. Nonetheless, the time is nigh for the Gunners to end their Merseyside hoodoo.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Thiago Alcantara returned to full training after missing 10 games with a hip problem at Liverpool's Kirkby training base, while Virgil van Dijk has fully recovered from the illness that kept him out of the draw with Chelsea. Luis Diaz is working on his fitness with the squad but is unlikely to make his comeback, and Stefan Bajcetic, Calvin Ramsay, and Naby Keita will not play due to injuries.
Jurgen Klopp may make changes for the upcoming match, and Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Andrew Robertson could all return. However, Salah, Joe Gomez, Arthur, and Diogo Jota missed team training on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's William Saliba is struggling with a back problem, and Eddie Nketiah, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Mohamed Elneny will not play due to knee injuries. Saliba's chances of recovering for the Anfield showdown are slim, so Rob Holding may need to step up in defense. Leandro Trossard scored a hat-trick for Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield in October, but Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting lineup, possibly forcing Trossard to be a substitute.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool possible starting lineup:Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Elliott; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus
EXPERT PREDICTION
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
However, Arsenal's strength lies in their attack, which is the second-most potent in the league. Liverpool's recent clean sheet record at home may not hold much weight against such a formidable offensive team.
Expect goals in what promises to be an exciting match, but Arsenal's previously vulnerable defense has become more solid, and Arteta's team may be able to secure another thrilling victory to continue their quest for supremacy in the Premier League.
