As Premier League football returns to our living rooms after an international break, Arsenal kick off the business end of the season with a home game against Liverpool on Saturday. Arsenal can dash Liverpool’s Champions League hopes and go nine points ahead of the Reds with a win in the early kick off on Saturday.
Arsenal have been on a run of scintillating performances since the turn of the year and sit just a solitary point behind the defending champions Manchester City in second. Let’s take a look at the Arsenal lineup against a Liverpool side desperate to launch a strong fight to finish in the Champions League places this season.
Goalkeeper – David Ospina
David Ospina is a certainty to start in goal for the Gunners after a run of consistent performances since breaking into the team.
Defence – Bellerin, Koscielny, Gabriel, Monreal.
Hector Bellerin has come of age this season and sealed a permanent berth at right back ahead of Calum Chambers. Laurent Koscielny should partner Gabriel Paulista at the heart of the defence, the new acquisition could be a better choice against a lightning quick Liverpool forward line. Nacho Monreal should take his place at left back.
Midfield – Coquelin, Ramsey, Sanchez, Özil, Cazorla.
Francis Coquelin has grasped his chance with both hands to become a permanent fixture in the Arsenal team. The Frenchman should sit in front of the backline with the dynamic Aaron Ramsey alongside.
With striker Danny Welbeck facing a late fitness test to make the game and Oxlade Chamberlain ruled out with his hamstring problem, Alexis Sanchez could provide the width down the right flank with Mesut Özil operating centrally. Santi Cazorla has been in a good run of form since the turn of the year and should line up on the left wing.
Striker – Olivier Giroud
Olivier Giroud scored a couple of goals against Newcastle to steer Arsenal to a victory at St. James’ Park last time out and would be itching to have a go at a shaky Liverpool backline.