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Arsenal v Liverpool – Premier League Preview

Date – 27th October 2024

Venue – Emirates

Kick Off – 16:30

The Premier League appears to have a three-horse race already determined by the pundits of the English top tier, as Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool, strive to separate themselves from the chasing pack below them. With Pep Guardiola’s City Group embroiled in a legal battle (regarding the 115-charges levelled at them), there is the perception that they could be stripped of historical titles, as well as being relegated multiple levels by the end of this season. Given that very real possibility and warranted scenario, this encounter between two footballing titans of the North and South of England, could well become the most pivotal matchup of the 2024/25 season.

The Arsenal Availability

In terms of availability, Martin Odegaard, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, and Kieran Tierney, are all out, whereas Bukayo Saka, and Jurrien Timber, are both doubtful, yet are likely to start if deemed match fit. William Saliba is suspended for this game following his red card against Bournemouth last weekend.

Photo by IMAGO

Regarding early season form, a 1-0 home win over Shakhtar Donetsk was recorded in midweek, following a 2-0 defeat away to Bournemouth on the previous Saturday. Three solid home wins preceded the most recent international window, as a 3-1 win over Southampton came days after a superb 2-0 over PSG (again in the Champions League), which followed an emphatic 4-2 win over visiting Leicester City. Following eight games played in this season’s enthralling Premier League campaign, the gunners sit 3rd in the standings with an impressive 17-points amassed so far.

A predicted line up for the home team is listed below, in a 4-3-3 formation. A dogmatic and defensive midfield trio is expected to start ahead of a defensively minded back four. A cautious structure and desire to stay resolute will be desired by the hosts manager, as Mikel Arteta will look to out muscle his way to victory. The injury question mark over Bukayo Saka will determine how creative they can be on the ball, especially with their club captain (and inspirational playmaker), Martin Odegaard, still out injured. The back four reshuffle that is enforced will be problematic for the coaching team, as both Riccardo Calafiori, and William Saliba, are out for this titanic battle.

GK – David Raya

RB – Ben White

RCB – Jurrien Timber

LCB – Gabriel Magalhães

LB – Jakub Kiwior

CDM – Thomas Partey

CM – Declan Rice

CM – Mikel Merino

RF – Bukayo Saka

CF – Kai Havertz

LF – Gabriel Martinelli

The Liverpool Availability

In terms of injures, Harvey Elliott remains sidelined until early November with a fractured foot, whereas Federico Chris’s will be out for an undetermined period with ongoing complaints. Alisson Becker sustained a hamstring strain against Crystal Palace, which could keep him out until early December, whereas Diogo Jota is sidelined with a suspected cracked rib. Conor Bradley is also out for a couple of weeks.

Regarding recent form, the recent midweek saw the reds overcome an energetic RB Leipzig team at the Red Bull Arena (by a 0-1 margin), following a solid 2-1 victory at home to Chelsea last Sunday. Prior to the recent international break, a solid 0-1 victory was recorded against struggling Crystal Palace, following their second Champions League tie, one which saw Bologna soundly beaten 2-0 at Anfield. That momentum building array of wins came after Slot’s men had overcome an impressive Wolves team, in securing a 1-2 away win. The reds are currently top of the Premier League after amassing a tremendous 21-points from their eight games played.

Below is the team I believe the Dutch boss, Arne Slot, will start for this daunting away encounter. The Sunday afternoon kick off time will allow ample rest for the travelling group, after their midweek trip to G Germany, therefore, I expect the strongest possible team to start this game ahead of the EFL Cup tie next Wednesday. That upcoming 4th round cup tie will see the Anfield giants head to the south coast to face Brighton.

GK – Caoimhin Kelleher

RB – Trent Alexander Arnold

RCB – Ibrahima Konaté

LCB – Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB – Andy Robertson

CM – Ryan Gravenberch

CM – Alexis Mac Allister

ACM – Dominik Szoboszlai

RF – Mohamed Salah

CF – Darwin Núñez

LF – Cody Gakpo

How Will This Contest Play Out

Liverpool will have to be front footed in their approach and test an Arsenal defence that may have not played together before, certainly in the structure that is likely to be laid out. The size and physicality of both Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez, will be used to target which ever pair lines up on the right-hand side of Mikel Arteta’s chosen defensive line, whereas which ever left back starts (for the hosts) will have to contend with Liverpool’s record-breaking goal scorer, Mohamed Salah. The home side will field a strong midfield group that will be tasked with unsettling the visitors’ patterns of play and targeting wide areas in transition. The set piece strategy of Arsenal is the best version within the modern-day Premier League; therefore, a key emphasis will need to be undertaken by both sides in each penalty area.

An intriguing and season defining game awaits.

Player to watch – Virgil van Dijk

Score Prediction;

Arsenal 1 – 1 Liverpool

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