3 Key Battles (Liverpool vs. Arsenal): Can Ozil Be Handled By Can?

Liverpool vs. Arsenal: 3 Key Battles

An injury-ravaged Liverpool side face an Arsenal team who are rampant and are looking to provide Jurgen Klopp with more headaches. Arsenal will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the league with a win at Anfield and Klopp would be hoping for a better show than the 2-2 draw against Exeter in the FA Cup.

Liverpool played with many youngsters in that game and could have Jordan Henderson, Jordon Ibe and Mamadou Sakho back though the captain would probably start the match on the bench. Arsenal have won five out of their last six games and could well do some damage to Liverpool.

This fixture is one of the highlights of this round of fixtures and we look at three

1. Christian Benteke vs. Per Mertesacker

Benteke is Liverpool’s top scorer with seven goals but that hasn’t been half the story as he has looked out of place in Jurgen Klopp’s playing style, which requires more running. The Belgian though would have to be at his best and really trouble the centre-backs of Arsenal if he has to get any purchase in this game.

Per Mertesacker could well be the one who keeps Benteke in check, Mertesacker certainly has the height and heading ability to deal with Benteke but the Belgian is more physical than the German and if Liverpool can win this battle, they could cause Arsenal a lot of problems.

2. Kolo Toure vs. Olivier Giroud

Liverpool’s defensive woes can’t seem to stop and Kolo Toure is the only fit central defender – though Mamadou Sakho might make it in time to play against Arsenal – and he would have to deal with a rejuvenated Olivier Giroud, which would not be an easy task for the Ivorian.

Giroud has scored 15 goals this season and is known to be the man who plays in the big occasions; Giroud could well be the one who does the damage for Arsenal. Giroud’s heading ability would be something that Liverpool’s defenders would have to be wary of and the French striker could well stab a dagger in the heart of the defence.

3. Emre Can vs. Mesut Ozil

If Liverpool are to get anything out of this game they need to keep a lid on Mesut Ozil. The German has assisted 16 times this season and has also scored five goals. Ozil could well unlock Liverpool’s defence in his sleep and the midfield would have to be extra cautious in dealing with him.

Emre Can could well be deployed in the role to keep a tab on his fellow German, Can has been the most improved Liverpool midfielder under Klopp and this could well be the biggest challenge the young German has faced during his time in England.