Liverpool vs Arsenal is the first ‘big six’ clash of the second half of 2018/19. The statistics suggest it’ll be a close game, but who will come out on top?
Having demolished Newcastle 4-0 on Boxing Day, Liverpool will next welcome Arsenal to Anfield. The Gunners, who drew 1-1 with Brighton, will be looking for a result against the Reds. Able to field ace marksman Aubameyang, Arsenal are a dangerous side to face, one which Klopp knows well. Between two traditional heavyweights.
It was a welcome victory, and a routine one at that, after Jurgen Klopp made three changes from the side which beat Wolves 2-0 last Friday.
The strength of the Reds squad is becoming more apparent as the weeks rumble on, with Klopp keeping his options fresh but still managing to produce the results required.
With a crucial clash with Arsenal on Saturday, how will Klopp reshuffle his pack this time?
These are the changes he could make against Unai Emery’s side.
With Joe Gomez still injured, very few defensive headaches exist. Dejan Lovren should accompany Liverpool’s other regular starters at the back.
Similarly, the front three will be needed against the Gunners, while Xherdan Shaqiri might have shown enough from the start against Newcastle to retain his place in what is becoming a devastating attack.
In the midfield, Gini Wijnaldum is often Jurgen Klopp’s go-to man for the big occasion, while Jordan Henderson was one of the Reds’ strongest performers against the Toon.
After a 4-0 victory, any player not keeping their place would feel harsh – but with two massive games coming up, rotation may be necessary.
Wijnaldum, Henderson and Shaqiri are therefore all under threat potentially, while Trent Alexander-Arnold may find two games in four days too challenging given he’s not long back from injury.
Very happy for this win. First goal wearing this jersey. Glad to be living this moment. To God all the honor and glory! ??? #LFC pic.twitter.com/Tjx1i9qtLz
— Fabinho (@_fabinhotavares) December 26, 2018
Several stars are poised for a recall, with the most obvious being Fabinho. The Brazilian scored his first goal for the club against Newcastle and has been superb in recent weeks.
Naby Keita is another who may be called upon, while James Milner is an option providing he recovers from the injury which saw him miss out entirely against Newcastle.
Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi will likely have to make peace with places on the bench, however.