Introduction
As we are heading to Gameweek 12 of the Premier league the prospects are starting to take shape. Two particular teams we are going to focus on in this segment are Liverpool and Arsenal. All the hype of the international games has boiled down, the hype around player selections, injuries, player form, and so on to the biggest fixture in this Gameweek and hopefully we can hope that both teams can live up to what they set out for. An Arsenal win takes them above Liverpool into the 4th spot (12 spots since GW 6) and Liverpool possibly outside the top 4 for the first time this season.
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Why Should You be Watching?
One of the more interesting aspects of the clash is seeing how the likes of Benjamin White, Gabriel, and Tomiyasu fare against one of Europe’s most lethal forward lines. Supporters have waxed lyrical about the defense, and this trio in particular, and while Leicester offers their own threat they aren’t tearing apart La Liga’s reigning champions home and away.
The frailties are there for Liverpool, the like of which the Hammers brilliantly exposed, but it will require nothing short of brilliance from each player at Anfield if Arsenal are to keep their unbeaten record intact.
Build Up With Facts
- THE REDS has scored at least one goal in the last 11 matches.
- LIVERPOOL has scored at least one goal in the last 5 home matches.
- LIVERPOOL was not able to win one out of the last 2 home matches.
- ARSENAL is unbeaten for 3 away matches.
- ARSENAL has scored at least one goal in the last 4 matches.
Liverpool’s form: WWDWL
Arsenal’s form: WWWWW
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal
Formation : 4-2-3-1
GK: Ramsdale,
Defense: Tierney, White, Gabriel, Tomiyasu,
CDM; Partey, Lokonga,
Attack: Smith Rowe, Saka, Lacazette
ST: Aubameyang
Injury Doubts
- Aubameyang injury due to international duties
- Partey picked up a knock in the build up to the Watford game
Liverpool
GK: Alisson
Defense: Robertson, Van Dijk, Konate, Alexander-Arnold,
Midfield: Fabinho, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain,
Attack: Salah, Jota, Mané
Injury Doubts
- James Milner and Naby Keita are both unlikely to be ready after their hamstring problems
- Curtis Jones is still suspect after his freak training ground eye injury
- Jordan Henderson is at risk of missing out after taking a knock while away with England
- Mane and Robertson are also in the wars and needed scan’s so the clock is ticking on their availability.
Head to Head
The history books don’t work in Arsenal’s favor. While last season the Gunners got to taste victory on the red half of Merseyside with an EFL Cup penalty shootout victory after a 0-0 scoreline, the club hasn’t won in normal time at the famous stadium since 2012.
Players to Watch Out For
Liverpool
Jota
The most important attribute of jota is his blind-side movement to run into space, predict the trajectory of the pass before it is even played, and arrive into a prime goalscoring position, apart from winning fouls and creating overloads. This is what allows them to occupy a variety of positions and be the ideal replacement if any injuries take place in the front 3 of Liverpool seamlessly.
Van Dijk
It’s not just his ability to lead a side that he’s renowned for, though. With the Dutchman acclaimed for his ball-playing skills, height, and composure, his ability to switch the play and target wide areas with space could be another vital asset against deep-block sides away and at Anfield throughout the season.
His absence was felt last season and although he is recovering without him Liverpool is not as organized. Recovering and still not at his best and wanting to play more is a testament to his mentality.
Arsenal
Smith Rowe
He is a player that has the ability to carry the ball can be a really valuable tool in your arsenal when trying to break down a low block. As Liverpool plays a high line his penetration could help open up spaces for teammates, such as Brentford did against Liverpool.
Ramsdale
his communication skills, ability to claim crosses, and most importantly, ability on the ball, have given Arsenal’s new-look-back five an added aura of confidence. Arteta will not only be hoping that Ramsdale can keep as many clean sheets as possible, but also become the base of Arsenal’s attacks, as they slowly look to mold into the press-resistant team that the Spaniard so desperately craves.
Conclusion
Realistically, a draw would be snapped at. Anyone going to Anfield and not taking a draw best has good reason for it, especially an Arsenal side still in the teething stages of their time as a collective. Talk of this being a ‘free hit’ can be seen as defeatist, but what’s more important is avoiding being swept up in ten games unbeaten. This run has been fantastic and well deserved, it just must not cloud judgment.
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