New signings and injury woes dominate the headlines as Liverpool prepare for an opening round test at the Emirates.
The highly-anticipated match between Arsenal and the Reds offers a tantalising contest between some of the Premier League’s best attacking weapons, but the loss of key personnel has hindered preparation. The Gunners have enjoyed a strong preseason, amassing an impressive 17 goals in five matches, but injury and belated summer breaks have forced changes in how Arsene Wenger’s men will line up.
Liverpool travel to North London following an up-and-down build up to 2016-17, highlighted by the 4-0 crushing of a strong Barcelona at Wembley – along with disappointing losses to Roma, Chelsea, and Mainz.
Both squads look thin in defence, and will be in trouble if the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Alexis Sanchez, Roberto Firmino, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can find space behind the back four.
Key Battle – Arsenal’s defensive screen
From the outset, this match is one that promises fast, high-press attack pitted against feeble defensive lines. The big question is how Arsenal’s holding-midfield screen can support an inexperienced centre-back combination to prevent Liverpool’s diverse attack. Granit Xhaka, the £35 million signing from Borussia Monchengladbach, will partner either Francis Coquelin or Mo Elneny to restrict the opposition’s creativity. The Swiss has shown in his short time with the Gunners that he is ready-made for the Premier League, adding a blend of strong tackling, poise, and great vision from the heart of midfield.
Liverpool’s Firmino, Coutinho and summer signing Sadio Mane will all present a threat to the back four, meaning Xhaka will be required to retain possession, and then set up Arsenal’s own forward pressure – a big ask in his Premier League debut.
Team News
Arsenal’s lead cause for concern lies in the heart of defence, where Gabriel Paulista has been ruled out for six weeks. Captain Per Mertesacker is set for a longer spell on the sidelines with a knee injury, and could miss the remainder of 2016. Laurent Koscielny has had a limited preseason given his responsibilities with France and it would be foolish to rush him back into the side. Wenger will likely pair England under-21 defenders Calum Chambers and Rob Holding in a far from desirable situation. Mesut Özil also misses due to his lengthy international commitments.
Klopp has also been forced to make changes with goalkeeper and summer signing Loris Karius out with a broken hand, while defenders Joe Gomez and Mamadou Sakho are also sidelined. Alberto Moreno has been far from convincing at left-back, but will get his chance to impress against Arsenal. Joel Matip, who signed from FC Schalke earlier in the year, is a welcome return from injury and should make his debut in a depleted defence. Fan favourite Daniel Sturridge is also expected to miss with injury, meaning Roberto Firmino could play as a false No.9.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool narrowly lead the Premier League head-to-head record with 16 wins in this fixture over Arsenal’s 15. Three of the last five have ended in a stalemate.
Previous Meeting
The Merseysiders played host to Arsenal in a display bursting with energy and spirit, where classy braces to Firmino and Giroud kept their respective sides in the contest. A late Joe Allen equaliser gave Liverpool a deserved point and prompted the Gunners’ swift drop out of Premier League contention.
Prediction
After strong, extensive preseason performances, both sides will be motivated to establish themselves as front runners for the oncoming title race. Expect sharp, compelling action in the attacking third and the goalkeepers to be tested regularly. Whichever team can prove they are the best equipped to address the defensive crisis will take the spoils on Monday morning.
Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1
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