Arsenal will face Liverpool at the Emirates this Saturday in what would certainly be an enthralling contest between two sides who find themselves in an unfamiliar position. The Gunners after 9 game weeks are at the top of the table with two points clear of Liverpool who are tied on points with Chelsea.
The Suarez + Sturridge combination has bolstered Liverpool’s mediocre attacking status into a world class one, which will come up against an organised yet fragile back line of the Gunners. Arsenal meanwhile will be without midfield enforcer Mathieu Flamini who has been such revelation since his arrival in the summer. The Likes of Kieran Gibbs, Per Mertesacker, Wojciech Szczęsny, Bacary Sagna and others who were rested should be back in the side and along with Mikel Arteta who was suspeneded for Chelsea’s game after his sending off at Crystal Palace last week.
So here is the possible XI that Arsene Wenger might field against Liverpool:
Wojciech Szczęsny:
Man of the match against Crystal Palace and a deserved one too. Saved a couple of crucial shots to keep the Gunners in the match and should retain his place after being rested for the Capital One Clash.
Kieran Gibbs:
No questions here. Gibbs although fails to retain his position after going forward sometimes, has the capability to understand the game and make crucial interceptions and especially when Suarez or Sturridge is on the opposition side you will need to the England International.
Per Mertesacker:
The German was given a much needed rest against Chelsea and should retain his familiar center-back position which he has made his own. Although lacking pace, his positioning and organization at the back will be crucial for Arsenal.
Laurent Koscielny:
The tireless French worker played in the midweek game as well and should retain his partnership with Mertesacker against the Reds.
Bacary Sagna:
Although he is a shadow of the player he once was, Sagna is still capable to perform on the biggest of stages. His contribution in the attacking front has significantly reduced in the recent times, but defensively he is solid as always. Had a good game both in defending and attacking wise against palace and should retain his starting berth.
Mikel Arteta:
Had a good game against Palace last weekend scoring Arsenal’s opening goal, but was sent off harshly when he had a clash with former Arsenal striker Chamakh. With Flamini out injured, Arteta’s presence in the midfield will be highly crucial. The former Everton man has faced Liverpool many a times in the Merseyside derby and should be aware of the attacking threats they posses.
Aaron Ramsey:
Arsenal’s rejuvenated midfielder will continue to play alongside Arteta in Flamini’s absence. He will certainly be a key figure in the midfield and will have the responsibility to carry the attack forward and also to drop back and do the dirty work.
Jack Wilshere:
The England International although not very comfortable to play on the wings, will have to do so as the Gunners cannot risk playing youngster Gnabry in such a big game. But with Arsenal’s policy to rotate their attacking players’ position constantly it should not be a problem.
Mesut Ozil:
Played the final 30 minutes against Chelsea after being given a much needed rest. The German will be the key man if Arsenal are to pick up all three points from the game.
Santi Cazorla:
The Spaniard is back to his very best. Although not an effective game against Chelsea he showed glimpses of his potential and finesse footwork which Arsenal have missed in the recent times. His partnership alongside Ozil and Ramsey will be a treat for the eyes.
Olivier Giroud:
The French International has contributed to Arsenal’s cause immensely this season and will continue to spear hear the attack in front of the world class midfielder he has been blessed with.
Do you guys agree with the line-up? Who do you think will start the game?