Some interesting facts to explore before the game
Last season, [team 19] won this fixture by 2-1. For the first time since 2015, the gunners are looking to beat the reds in back-to-back home games. [team 8]’s form away from home against Arsenal has been dreadful over the years. The reds have won only 2 of their last 20 [league 8] away games against the gunners (D9 L9). The last time Liverpool won at the Emirates was in 2016 in a thrilling encounter which ended 4-3.
This fixture is one of the most historically thrilling games for both sets of supporters. No other Premier League fixture has witnessed more goals (166). 94 of these have been scored by the reds, which is the most goals Arsenal have conceded a single opponent in the League.
This fixture has also seen the most hattricks in the history of the Premier League (6). For Arsenal, [player 518] and [player 590] scored one hattrick each, while for Liverpool, [player 239] and [player 1461] scored one each. [player 2] scored two hattricks against Arsenal during his time at Liverpool.
Arsenal’s recent home form looks good, with the gunners losing just one in their last eight. However, [coach 307]’s side haven’t won consecutive home league games since the first two home games this season against [team 21] and [team 1].
Liverpool’s form in London has been strong this season, with the Reds winning 4 of their 5 games in the capital.
Arsenal’s defensive form lately hasn’t improved with the gunners without any clean sheet in their last 8 league games. Arteta’s men have conceded the game’s first goal in their 4 of their last 5 matches. Although, they came back to win two of those five matches.
Liverpool’s away form is solid. All of Liverpool’s previous 5 wins have come away from Anfield. [coach 455353]’s side have been terrible at home, but away from home, they have looked convincing.
Fixture Details: [fixture 16943097]
Team News
As far as the home side is concerned, [player 1317] and [player 16827155] are doubts for the weekend’s clash but could be included in the squad. [player 1494446]’s injury is a big blow for Arteta, and the youngster is expected to miss the game. Apart from this, Arsenal are not in trouble in any specific position and are expected to field the strongest team possible against the defending champions.
Liverpool will be without skipper [player 323], [player 1743], [player 1453] and [player 1920]. Meanwhile, Firmino’s presence is not sure as the Brazilian will have a final fitness test before Klopp makes the final decision. The recent Liverpool team will be expected to continue with Phillips and Kabak at the heart of the defence. [player 159917] is expected to start upfront along with [player 4125] and [player 1389].
How should Arsenal play?
Liverpool’s defensive issues have been well documented all season long. Their critical weakness is the lack of pace between the center halves. As good as [player 5640817] and [player 1494396] have performed, the lack of speed between them is a genuine concern against stronger sides.
Arsenal’s recent form is encouraging, and they look high in confidence going into the Liverpool game. [player 26823]’s performances have been excellent. His performance could be vital against Liverpool. It looks certain that Liverpool will have more of the ball, and Arteta did set up Arsenal last season in a medium block to stop Liverpool’s transitions.
Something very similar is expected for the next match. However, this time Arsenal look better going forward. [player 95334]’s link-up play will be critical, and [player 31739]’s runs in behind will be the primary source of danger for Arenal. To find those runs and play precise passes in behind Liverpool, Odegaard’s involvement will be essential.
With Liverpool’s poor form at the Emirates and Arsenal’s good recent form, an Arsenal win won’t be as surprising as people might think.
