Predicted Arsenal Line-up To Face Liverpool In The Premier League
Arsenal managed to move into the semi-final of the League Cup with a close victory over West Ham United earlier this week but they have a tough test in their hands this weekend as they welcome Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the Emirates, in a Friday-night kickoff. The Reds are currently on a 12-game unbeaten run, standing at 4th place in the points table.
They are fresh off a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth away from home and will look to take maximum points from this game. The Gunners, however, have a chance to leap over Liverpool with a victory in this game and will certainly give it their all against the Reds. This promises to be a high-intensity game.
Team News
In early team news, Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey are ruled out for this clash with long-term injuries. They are joined by Olivier Giroud, who will also miss this game while Francis Coquelin will undergo a late test to prove his fitness. Wenger has used a 4-man defensive line recently and might stick to it, for this crunch game.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Arsene Wenger
GK – Petr Cech
After a much-deserved rest in the mid-week, Cech, who will surely be tested by a free-scoring Liverpool, should be back between the sticks.
RB –Hector Bellerin
The Spaniard also got a break for the League Cup tie and will hope to put in a solid performance against the likes of Mane on the flank.
CB – Laurent Koscielny
The skipper of the side, Koscielny has been effective in the last few games but going up against a smart player like Firmino, he will have to be at his best this weekend.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi
The German international has not been too impressive this season but is the best option for Wenger to partner Koscielny at the back against the Reds.
LB – Sead Kolasinac
Surprisingly, Kolasinac was not handed a start against Newcastle but he was back in the line-up for the League cup clash. He remains Wenger’s first choice left-back and is expected to start this important fixture.
CM – Granit Xhaka
Though not at his best this season, Xhaka is Wenger’s first choice midfielder and is expected to keep his place, as the deepest of the midfielders.
CM – Mohamed Elneny
With Aaron Ramsey out injured, Elneny is expected to partner Xhaka in the midfield, to add some mettle to this Arsenal side.
RW – Mesut Ozil
The German playmaker scored the only goal in the previous league victory for Arsenal and will hope to have a productive game against the travelling Reds.
CAM – Jack Wilshere
Having started the previous league game for Arsenal, Wilshere has found a place in the first-team recently. He was rested for the League Cup game, which could see him start this game in an advanced role.
LW – Alexis Sanchez
The Chilean winger has not been at his best this season but against a shaky Liverpool defence, he will fancy his chances to find the back of the net.
ST – Alexandre Lacazette
The French international did not start in Arsenal’s trip to Anfield earlier this season but should lead the line in this game, hoping to get the better of the likes of Lovren and Klavan.
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