Arsenal – Liverpool preview

Arsenal’s 11 match win streak came to an end on the weekend after drawing at Crystal Palace. Both Xhaka and Aubameyang were on the score sheet, however, Palace scored two penalties to end the game 2-2. On the other side Liverpool won their game against Cardiff 4-1 at home. Salah put in a man of the match performance with a goal and two assists. Salah is coming back into form just at the right time. Four points separate the two teams, with Liverpool sitting in 2nd and Arsenal in 4th.

For Liverpool this presents a good chance to continue to challenge Man City. This could be a match to send out a message to the other rivals that they are not here to mess around. However, if they lose the match then they will be three points behind city and have a loss of confidence because of losing to one of the close rivals.

Arsenal’s revolution had a slow start. They lost their first two games against Man City and Chelsea. Since then, they won 11 games in a row until the weekend. This will be the next test for Arsenal against one of the big teams. It can be argued that as it was the beginning of the season and the team did not understand Emery’s tactics so well yet that there were not on the same level as they are now. However, this weekend will be a real test to see how strong the team is and whether they can be considered title contenders.

Bellerin is Arsenal’s biggest injury concern as he came off injured in the match against Cardiff. Additionally, both Monreal and Kolasinac are small doubts for the game but will be assessed later in the week. If both of them are injured that could cause a problem in the left back position. Koscielny has just returned to full training after being out since May and will probably not be rested.

From Liverpool’s side the two main concerns are Henderson and Keita. Keita injured his hamstring on international duty and will most likely not feature. Henderson felt a tight hamstring last weekend against Huddersfield and will be assessed later this week.

Key stats:

• 225th meeting.
• Liverpool have won 86, Arsenal have won 78, with 60 draws.
• Liverpool are undefeated in their last six matches against Arsenal.