Liverpool face a huge test on Saturday evening when they welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal to Anfield, knowing they must perform much better than they did against Manchester United last weekend.
That 0-0 draw reminded Reds fans that drab performances are still possible despite the attacking riches at Jurgen Klopp’s disposal and a similar outing against the Gunners will almost certainly leave them four points behind Mikel Arteta’s side at Christmas. However, a victory will see Liverpool usurp their title rivals.
Klopp is hamstrung by a number of important absentees in his Liverpool squad and he has also turned to the fans by attempting to whip up the crowd ahead of the match.
Here’s the team the German coach may choose for this massive clash with Arsenal.
GK: Alisson – It really was a blessing for Liverpool that Alisson’s recent injury was nowhere near as serious as first feared. He made a couple of big saves against Man Utd and will have a huge job to do here as well.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold – Was given a bit of a rest in midweek as Liverpool cruised past West Ham and into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup, but he will certainly take the place back from Joe Gomez here.
CB: Ibrahima Konate – Another player dropped in midweek, expect the Frenchman to displace Jarell Quansah for such a huge match against talented forwards.
CB: Virgil van Dijk – Had a lot to say after the Man Utd clash and now needs to back that up with a big display against Arsenal, which he certainly has in the locker.
LB: Kostas Tsimikas – With Andy Robertson still out, Kostas Tsimikas will deputise again. He almost lost his head a couple of times against Man Utd but will need to be calm and collected on Saturday.
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai – Got criticism for his display at Anfield last weekend but was much better against West Ham, scoring a superb goal.
CM: Wataru Endo – The Japanese midfielder has become very important in recent weeks and is doing a solid job in midfield for the Reds.
CM: Curtis Jones – This position could potentially go to Ryan Gravenberch, but the Dutchman is just getting back to fitness after tweaking a hamstring against Man Utd. With Jones playing well and scoring twice against West Ham, he should get the nod.
RW: Mohamed Salah – A good rest in midweek should mean Salah is more than ready to help his team against Arsenal on Saturday evening. He still scored in his midweek cameo.
ST: Darwin Nunez – Nunez hasn’t scored a Premier League goal since October and it’s a run that’s being mentioned more frequently. He played on the left against West Ham and impressed, but should be back in the middle here.
LW: Luis Diaz – Another player Arsenal will need to watch incredibly carefully, Diaz will want to help put his team top of the table at Christmas.
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