Predicted Arsenal line-up to face Liverpool in the Premier League
After dropping points against Brighton, Arsenal would be aiming to return to winning ways against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield this Saturday. Unai Emery’s men led at the Amex Stadium on Boxing Day but let that slip with a defensive mistake. They need to eradicate those silly moments in a game of such high magnitude.
The Gunners are up against the pace-setters of this season though and it won’t be easy for them, especially away from home. They are currently two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea in the race to finish in the Champions League places.
Team News
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is out until the first week of February with an Ankle injury. Hector Bellerin has a calf problem and will be out until mid-January. Shkodran Mustafi and Nacho Monreal have slight problems and their progress will be checked hours before the game. Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are long-term absentees.
Probable Arsenal XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Manager: Unai Emery
Bernd Leno (GK)
The German has had iffy moments in the past few games, but the way Arsenal play, he needs to start every game.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RWB)
The youngster did well in the right wing-back position against Burnley. He is expected to start there at Anfield.
Stephan Lichtsteiner (RCB)
The Swede didn’t have a good game against Brighton, especially after the mistake that led to a goal. However, with the Gunners short of centre-back options, expect the veteran to start.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos (CB)
He is probably their best defender at the moment. The Greek should start at the centre of the three-man central defence.
Laurent Koscielny (LCB)
Although the Frenchman is still not 100% fit, his experience and know-how would be helpful in a game as tough as this.
Sead Kolasinac (LWB)
The Bosnian is more effective when playing at wing-back. His runs forward could cause trouble to the Liverpool defence.
Granit Xhaka (CM)
Xhaka’s calmness in the midfield would be key in a game where the midfield battle is of utmost priority.
Lucas Torreira (CM)
The Uruguayan has been fantastic for the Gunners this season and he has to be at his best at Anfield this Saturday.
Aaron Ramsey (RAM)
Mesut Ozil is not expected to be picked for this game and Alex Iwobi is badly out of form. Hence, we may see Ramsey on the right-hand side of a narrow front-line.
Alexandre Lacazette (ST)
The Frenchman’s movement and clever link-up play with Aubameyang could come in handy on the break.
Read More: This 6ft tall Frenchman would be a brilliant fit for Arsenal and Unai Emery must get him in January
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (LAM)
He is currently the top-scorer in the league and needs to put one or two past Alisson to help his team win a point or three this weekend.
