Arsenal face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend in arguably the toughest test of the season so far for the league leaders.
Liverpool have been out of sorts so far this season and need to find a result and run of form to remain in touch with the table-topping Gunners and Manchester City.
Here is all you need to know about Sunday’s huge clash at the Emirates.
Form
Arsenal: LWWWW
Arsenal have been almost flawless this season and lead the Premier League table from nearest challengers Manchester City, having won seven of their eight league games this season.
Defeat at Manchester United has been the only blot on an otherwise perfect copybook for Mikel Arteta’s side who will hope to underline their status as a top team with a win over last season’s runners-up.
Arsenal passed the test of a north London derby with flying colours last weekend, with a dominant performance to beat Spurs at the Emirates. Gabriel Jesus was on the scoresheet with his fifth goal in eight games this season and Arsenal will hope he can prove the difference against Liverpool. The Gunners have failed to score in their last six meetings with the Reds in all competitions.
Gabriel Jesus has been directly involved in more goals than any other Arsenal player this season:
◎ 10 games
◎ 5 goals
◉ 4 assistsDancing through defenders. ???????? pic.twitter.com/TDeqnYgSu5
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 6, 2022
William Saliba’s impressive start has seen the 21-year-old earn comparisons with Virgil van Dijk, while a resurgent Granit Xhaka will have a key role this weekend against a Liverpool midfield that has been criticised this season.
Liverpool: DLWDW
Liverpool’s mixed start to the season continued with a 3-3 draw against Brighton last weekend, with the Reds having won just two of their opening seven Premier League games.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were two goals down inside just 17 minutes against the Seagulls and despite coming back to lead 3-2, failed to hold on and looked vulnerable throughout.
Next up, a trip to @Arsenal ???? #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/kikqxPqjEx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 6, 2022
A win over Rangers in the Champions League in midweek was a step in the right direction, as Klopp tweaked his system to a 4-2-3-1 with Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez joining Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz in a front four. Jota will hope to continue his brilliant record against Arsenal this weekend with the Portugal international having scored eight goals in 11 career games against the Gunners.
Ibrahima Konate returned to the bench against Rangers and will be in contention to feature as Liverpool look to improve defensively. The Reds have conceded the first goal in 12 of their past 16 games in all competitions.
Last Meeting
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool, March 16th 2022
Liverpool were unbeaten in four meetings with Arsenal in all competitions last season, winning three, including a 2-0 win at the Emirates in March.
Jurgen Klopp’s side moved within a point of leaders Manchester City after a hard-fought win, in which the Reds were tested before taking control of the contest after the break.
Diogo Jota opened the scoring after lashing in inside Aaron Ramsdale’s near post and substitute Roberto Firmino made the result safe just six minutes later. The Brazilian flicked home Andy Robertson’s cross as Liverpool recorded a ninth straight Premier League win.
Brilliant work from @andrewrobertso5 to win the ball back, followed by a cool Bobby finish ????#ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/DzTv9Ws1ML
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 6, 2022
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Jesus.
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Thiago; Salah, Diaz, Firmino, Jota.
Who is the referee?
Michael Oliver.
Is Arsenal v Liverpool on TV?
UK and Ireland: Sky Sports Main Event
USA: fuboTV.
What time is kick off?
Sunday 9th October, 16:30pm.
Odds
Arsenal – 6/4
Draw – 13/5
Liverpool – 13/8
Read – Eight talking points ahead of the Premier League weekend
Read Also – Midfield Magicians: The Greatest Showman, Jay-Jay Okocha
