Predicted Liverpool Lineup To Face Arsenal In The Premier League
After a couple of futile draws at Anfield, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool hit back with a thumping 4-0 win over Bournemouth at Dean Court on Sunday afternoon. It was a much-needed win that took them inside ‘top-4’ ahead of their difficult away game against Arsenal, who are currently occupying the 5th spot in the Premier League table.
The Reds secured a dominating 4-0 triumph versus the Gunners at Anfield earlier in the season but Arsenal have recovered since then and will be determined to ensure a revenge on Friday night when these two sides lock horns for the return leg outing.
Formation: 4-3-3
Klopp has experimented with formations since suffering a 4-1 Wembley defeat to Spurs and the flexibility has helped the gaffer to come back stronger. Klopp has played a ‘back-3’ at times, also shifted to a two-man forward line with Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah up front. The variations in setup are expected against the London giants, but he is tipped to field a 4-3-3 line up initially.
Manager: Jurgen Klopp
Simon Mignolet (GK)
The Belgian was dropped against the Gunners in their first leg fixture but should return to the starting line-up this time around.
Joe Gomez ( RB)
The youngster has performed splendidly so far in place of the injured Nathaniel Clyne and kept Alexis Sanchez at bay in their previous meeting. Gomez will be hoping to replicate the same on Friday night.
Dejan Lovren (CB)
The Croatian was under immense pressure after conceding a ‘soft’ spot-kick against bitter rivals Everton but regained his confidence when he netted one as well as kept a clean sheet against the Cherries. Lovren now needs to keep the momentum against the mighty Gunners.
Ragnar Klavan (CB)
The Estonian was brought in as a sporadic first-team player but stepped up in the absence of Joel Matip in the heart of Liverpool defence. He is doing his job quite efficiently and is expected to do so against their Friday night opponents as well.
Andrew Robertson (LB)
Finally having his opportunities following the injury concern of Alberto Moreno and has earned Klopp’s praise, with a number of steady outings. The Scotsman, however, will have his biggest test against the Gunners. However, he is high on confidence and is relishing his game time for which he had to wait for months.
Jordan Henderson (CDM)
The skipper was criticised for his ineffective display in recent weeks but showed his quality against Bournemouth where he won back possession, broke down the opponent’s attacks and delivered some quality long balls for the forwards. Henderson is back in form and his presence will be a major boost for the traveling Reds on Friday night.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (RCM)
An emotional return to his former club for the Englishman who has now established himself in Klopp’s system despite a slow start since completing a summer move from Arsenal. He might be jeered by the home fans but the Ox has become an integral part of the Reds’ line-up and is expected to have back to back Premier League starts following a stellar show against the Cherries.
Philippe Coutinho (LCM)
Coutinho’s quality is unparalleled and incomparable in the current Liverpool squad and the Brazilian’s presence will be a massive threat to the Arsenal defence.
Mohamed Salah (RW)
The Egyptian wingman is in a scintillating run of form and is currently the top-scorer of the ongoing Premier League campaign. He has already netted once against the Gunners at Anfield and would be desperate to replicate the same at the Emirates this time.
Roberto Firmino (CF)
Firmino holds great scoring record against the Gunners and has slotted well in a centre-forward role under Klopp’s high-pressing football. Firmino’s hard work is an asset to any team and his presence will be a massive advantage for Liverpool.
Sadio Mane (LW)
Mane has not been in great form lately but has easily found the target against Arsenal in the past. He is expected to be back in the Liverpool squad for the Friday night fixture.