After the disaster in the Champions League round of 16 first leg, Arsenal are ready to try and get their season back on track in the Premier League. They have to start finding some consistency if they are to stay in the top-4 come the end of the season. The Gunners are currently 4th in the points table and have little chance of catching London rivals Chelsea, who are at the top of the table. They now face a tricky trip to Anfield on Saturday. The Reds suffered a shock loss on their trip to the King Power but they have been good against their top-4 rivals. They will surely make it hard for the Gunners to take anything from this game.
Team News:
In what will come as a big boost for the Gunners, midfielder Aaron Ramsey has stepped up his recovery and is expected to start the game against Liverpool. However, Santi Cazorla, Mathieu Debuchy, and Yaya Sanogo are all sidelined for this tie at Anfield. Mohamed Elneny has been ruled out for at least 3 weeks and hence Arsenal will have to cope without the Egyptian.
Arsenal predicted line-up to face Liverpool:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Petr Cech (GK):
The first choice shot-stopper for Wenger should keep his place in the side for this crunch tie against the Reds. His experience will be vital at the back for Arsenal.
Hector Bellerin (RB):
The Spaniard is among the best in the business in his position in the league and will have his work cut out against the likes of Coutinho.
Shkodran Mustafi (CB):
The German defender has been decent at the back alongside Koscielny this season but he will have to be alert against a fluid Liverpool attack on Saturday.
Laurent Koscielny (CB):
The French defender was replaced at half-time in the FA Cup tie recently but he is fit, back in training, and will start this game.
Nacho Monreal (LB):
The first choice left-back for Arsenal, Monreal will have face Liverpool’s top goal scorer this season, Sadio Mane, in this crucial clash.
Francis Coquelin (CDM):
Arsenal’s results this season with Coquelin in the side have been disastrous and he hasn’t done well at all this season. He seemed to fit in well with Cazorla but has struggled to pair up with other midfielders. However, he should start this game just in front of the back 4 for Arsenal, as Ramsey has just returned from injury and Elneny unavailable as well.
Granit Xhaka (CM):
Though Ramsey is back and Chamberlain being impressive in central midfield, Wenger could go to Xhaka who is now available after suspension to add some mettle to his midfield for this tie.
Theo Walcott (RW):
Though not at his best recently, Walcott is an impact player and should start this game on the right-flank for the Gunners.
Mesut Ozil (CAM):
The German playmaker has had better months than his previous 30 days but Arsenal will need him to be at his best to get anything from this game.
Alex Iwobi (LW):
Having put in some consistent performances recently, Iwobi should start on the left-wing for Arsenal and will be up against a sturdy Nathaniel Clyne.
Alexis Sanchez (CF):
The savior for Arsenal this season, Sanchez will have to fight the likes of Matip and Lovren if he is to get his team to a victory at Anfield.