It’s a enormous day within the capital as Premier League leaders Liverpool meet third-placed Arsenal, and Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect can open up an eight-point lead with a victory.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Premier League (23) | Emirates Stadium
February 4, 2024 | 4.30pm (GMT)
The Reds steamrolled Chelsea final trip, overlook their whining, and laid down one other assertion – and on Sunday, it’s time for one more.
Listed here are 10 key issues to know forward of the conflict.
1. Nunez in doubt
The No. 9 left Wednesday’s recreation with a protecting boot after somebody “stepped on his foot,” it precipitated swelling and a whole lot of ache for Darwin Nunez.
On Friday, Klopp stated he didn’t “know if Darwin is out there or not,” and it is going to be a case of if he can get his boot again on with minimal ache and discomfort.
There was no different workforce information to report from the supervisor, which suggests Alexis Mac Allister can be out there after a heavy knock to his knee in opposition to Chelsea.
2. An enormous battle on the high
A win would take Liverpool eight factors away from Arsenal within the desk, a separation that’s at all times good to have, particularly when already competing with the machine that’s Man City.
It’s first vs. third, and we’ve already had a style of what this fixture can provide with the draw at Anfield and the FA Cup win, which was solely a month in the past!
Klopp has famous his aspect have to be “way more dominant” in opposition to the Gunners, so let’s see if they will, certainly, have extra “moments the place we’re in cost.”
Type – Final 5 in PL
Liverpool (most up-to-date L-R): W, W, W, W, D
Arsenal: W, W, L, L, D
3. Can Bradley or Gomez actually be dropped?!
It’s an fascinating debate as, on type, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are greater than worthy of their locations within the beginning lineup. They’ve earned it.
The opposite argument, although, can be that they’ve began the final 5 and eight matches, respectively, a run that might put them in peril of selecting up an harm.
It’s the very last thing Liverpool want at this level of the season, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson each recent and with some minutes of their legs, it wouldn’t be stunning to see them return.
Both approach, it’s a robust place for the Reds to be in.
Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Jota, Diaz, Gakpo
4. Any Arsenal absentees?
There have been doubts over Gabriel Jesus after a lot of knocks to his knee, however the ahead is anticipated to take his place within the lineup.
Thomas Partey (thigh) could possibly be in rivalry to return to the bench after a prolonged spell out of the aspect, whereas Mohamed Elneny is out there after Egypt had been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
It might not be a shock if Arteta made just one change to his aspect from their win over Nottingham Forest final trip, with Emile Smith Rowe making approach for Kai Havertz.
Attainable Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
6. The present that retains on giving
The academy has gifted us some unimaginable expertise over time, and Klopp’s legacy would be the pathway from the youth degree to the primary workforce.
His belief and religion are second to none, and This Is Anfield not too long ago obtained some perception from Kirkby (video above) on the importance of the door being left open for children.
At Arsenal, we may see academy graduates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, James McConnell and Bobby Clark all within the squad. Unbelievable.
6. Jota’s time to shine
Diogo Jota loves a objective in opposition to Arsenal. The truth is, he’s scored extra in opposition to the Gunners than he has another workforce, with seven in 10 outings for Liverpool – plus two assists.
His seven targets have are available in a complete of 599 minutes of motion in opposition to them, which averages out to a objective each 85 minutes.
With 4 targets and an help in his final 4 video games, he’s picked the proper second to hit a wealthy vein of type. Extra please, Diogo.
7. Klopp says it’s time to “buckle up”
There are greater than three months of the season remaining and Liverpool are within the thick of it throughout 4 competitions, and Klopp had an excellent message for what’s to come back:
“That is one of the best league on the planet and we’re high of the desk, what does that say?
“Are there any dangerous gamers on this workforce? Nah!
“The job is to not replicate on what they did, or how implausible they’re, good wanting on high of that, and all these sorts of issues.
“It’s actually about us digging deep into the season, maintain going, maintain your breath, buckle up and go for it.”
You heard the boss!
8. The second half to show defining?
Liverpool have scored extra second-half targets than another workforce within the Premier League, with 32. Arsenal and Man City are shut behind with 28.
As for targets conceded within the second 45, the Reds are on high having let simply eight targets in, with the Gunners subsequent in keeping with 12 conceded.
So, two groups who develop into the sport and may maintain the opposition out late on. It’s going to be an fascinating battle, however we are able to solely hope it ends the identical approach it did solely final month.
9. You’ve obtained to be joking
At this level, it’s completely laughable. You wrongly decide a handball is not a handball the earlier time these two sides meet and also you’re then rewarded with the identical job!
All that to say, David Coote is on VAR for this one. They should have a proper chortle after they do these appointments.
The referee on the pitch is Anthony Taylor, and the fourth official is Craig Pawson.
10. Observe together with TIA!
Arsenal vs. Liverpool can be proven stay on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion within the UK, with protection ranging from 4pm (UK). We may even have our worldwide information for you a couple of hours earlier than kickoff.
When you fancy a little bit extra biased commentary and evaluation, This Is Anfield’s matchday stay weblog is the place to be! Harry McMullen is on the helm from 3.45pm.
Into these, Reds!
