After two wins from their first Premier League matches, Arsenal travels to Anfield to face Liverpool who also won their first two matches. The Gunners were impressive in the matches against Newcastle United and Burnley but Liverpool is the European Champion and will present different harder tests.
Unai Emery is a manager who likes to tinker with his starting line up so he can adapt to the opposition. Below, we look at what could be his best line up as he seeks to win his first away match to a big 6 side since his appointment as Arsenal manager last season.
Defense
Bernd Leno is an obvious pick in goal. Ahead of him, Ainsley Maitland Niles starts at Right-Back with Nacho Monreal on left-back duties. The center of the defense is where the manager has a decision to make.
The match calls for experience which is why David Luiz and Sokratis get the nod. The two were very impressive against Burnley despite conceding one goal. Keeping Mane, Firmino, and Salah quite may be a hard task but these are Arsenal’s best bet in trying to do so.
Midfield
It says a lot about Arsenal’s midfield depth that Lucas Torreira and Mesut Ozil are yet to start a match for Arsenal this season. However, the match against Liverpool is the perfect chance for Lucas Torreira finally get his first start of the new campaign.
Winning the battle in the center of the pitch will be crucial at Anfield which is why Emery has to go with a midfield trio. Matteo Guendouzi has been impeccable so far and should start alongside Torreira and Dani Ceballos who was the man of the match in the win over Burnley at the Emirates last weekend.
Attack
Liverpool’s defense has been uncharacteristically shaky this season and has not kept a clean sheet so far. The Reds play a high line which leaves lots of space behind them for runners to take advantage of.
Pierre Emerick Aubameynag already has 2 goals to his name so far and is a guaranteed starter in the striker’s position. On the flanks, Arsenal needs sheer pace and power which young academy graduate Reiss Nelson offers in abundance. He starts on the left.
On the right-hand side, new record signing Nicholas Pepe should get his first start for the Gunners.
Arsenal starting XI (433); Bernd Leno, Maitland Niles, Nacho Monreal, David Luiz, Sokratis, Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Dani Ceballos, Reiss Nelson, Nicholas Pepe, Pierre Aubameyang.