Arsenal vs Liverpool: Team news, prediction…All to know as Klopp battles Arteta
On Sunday evening, all eyes will be on the Emirates for what looks to be an exciting Premier League match as third-place Arsenal take on leaders Liverpool for the third time in three months.
Arsenal defeated Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Tuesday to make it two wins in a row. Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka both found the net, with the latter recording double digits in goals and assists across all competitions in 2023–24.
He is the first player from Arsenal to accomplish that feat in back-to-back seasons since Alexis Sánchez (three in a row between 2014–15 and 2016–17).
Mikel Arteta’s team has shown good resiliency after going winless in three games during the Christmas period. Starting on December 23 with a 1-1 draw against Liverpool.
On Wednesday, Liverpool proved their mettle at Anfield, defeating Chelsea 4:1 to reclaim their comfortable lead at the top.
The Gunners discovered three weeks ago in the FA Cup that the Reds are a very dangerous opponent, and their effectiveness has only increased since Jurgen Klopp’s announcement about his future.
Although both the Reds and the Gunners won in midweek, the Gunners still have aspirations of contending for the league this season, however they are currently five points behind.
ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL TEAM NEWS
After returning to the training field prior to the Forest victory, Arteta will be hoping to have Thomas Partey available for Sunday’s match.
Except for Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber who are still sidelined, Mikel Arteta has no new injury concerns. And Despite his strong performance at last game, Emile Smith Rowe may be left off the squad because Arteta most times prefers to use Kai Havertz in these kinds of games.
Gabriel Jesus might be fit to start despite Arteta revealing he has been battling a knee issue.
Darwin Nunez sustained knee injury during the win against Chelsea and hasn’t trained but will be accessed before the game, and Liverpool is still without Mohamed Salah as he continues to recuperate from a hamstring injury sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations.
With two appearances from the bench, Andy Robertson may start at left back, and Klopp must make a crucial choice on the other side.
Despite Conor Bradley’s incredible play, which included two assists and a goal against Chelsea, Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally back to full strength following a knee injury. Wataru Endo is unavailable due to international duty with Japan.
ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL TIME AND VENUE
Kick-off date is Sunday 4th February, 2024.
Kick-off time is 5:30pm WAT
Venue is Emirates Stadium
Referee will be Anthony Taylor
ARSENAL PREDICTED STARTING LINE-UP:
Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Havertz, Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
LIVERPOOL PREDICTED LINE-UP:
Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jota, Gakpo, Diaz
ARSENAL VS LIVERPOOL PREDICTION
Arsenal must have learnt something from their FA Cup loss to Liverpool.
For the majority of the game, the Gunners were the better team and had a chance to win, but some poor finishing kept them from doing so.
Here, they have to face Klopp’s side yet again, a team that have only lost once this season in the Premier League.
The team seems to have been even more motivated by the news of Klopp’s departure at the end of the season, as they are still contending on four fronts.
Liverpool would prefer a draw, but both teams will likely strive for all three points in what looks to be an exciting match that might end with the Gunners and the Reds sharing the spoils.
PREDICTION, 2-2.
More to read about Arsenal, Liverpool, Klopp and Arteta
Arsenal, Liverpool, other EPL Christmas day table toppers that didn’t win the league
Arsenal’s continued struggle: Is Arteta still the man for the job?
