Liverpool vs Arsenal: Momentum Builds at Anfield as Crystal Palace Get Sarr Injury Blow

Liverpool head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal in good order. Five straight wins in all competitions tells you plenty, and so does the mood around Anfield. Andoni Iraola has his side moving with purpose, and that matters more than cup noise elsewhere.

Arsenal arrive after a straightforward 2-0 league win over Everton, a result that pulled them level on points with Manchester City. Fine. Then came the midweek embarrassment, a Carabao Cup exit on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town. That is the sort of result that raises questions, even if managers hate admitting it.

Liverpool had their own shootout in midweek and came through it, beating Chelsea to book a quarter-final place. Winning breeds calm. More importantly, it keeps the rhythm going before a significant run of fixtures.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool Form Sets Tone for Arsenal Clash

This Arsenal game is the obvious focal point, but the schedule beyond it is not light. Liverpool then travel to Turkey to face Fenerbahce, managed by former Reds favourite Dirk Kuyt, before a trip to Selhurst Park ahead of the November international break.

That Palace fixture may have become slightly less awkward. Pierre Sage has confirmed that Ismaila Sarr remains unavailable, and that is relevant because his record against Liverpool is excellent.

Crystal Palace Without Ismaila Sarr

Sarr, 28, has made only one start this season because of a groin problem. He managed 29 minutes against Besiktas in the Europa League, then missed Palace’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United and their Carabao Cup win over Fulham. Now he is also out of Saturday’s league meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.

Sage was clear enough. “For the moment he is not able to play,” the Palace head coach said. Asked when the winger could return, he added: “I think after the international break.”

Arsenal Test Comes Before Key Away Run

That means Sarr is not expected back before Palace face Coventry City on November 21. For Liverpool, it removes one obvious danger later in the month. The Senegal international scored seven times against the Reds in his career, including four for Palace last season, and he was their Player of the Year.

First things first, though. Liverpool have form, Arsenal have questions, and Anfield usually does the rest when the atmosphere is there.