Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday as they travel to Anfield for one of their toughest games of the season, so let’s take a look at the predicted lineup.
The Gunners have responded brilliantly after losing their first three league matches. That upturn in form sees them just two points off the Reds who sit in fourth place. Winning this game will push the visitors into the Champions League spots.
In goal, Aaron Ramsdale will look to keep his good run of form going and the defence that is there to protect him will have one change. Kieran Tierney should come back in place of Nuno Tavares. And on the other flank, it will be the Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Scot has missed the last few games, but the good news is that he is back to full fitness. And in the centre of defence, it is going to be the impressive pairing of Ben White and Gabriel, who will have quite a job keeping the Liverpool attack at bay.
In the centre of midfield, Thomas Partey is a doubt for the game and if he doesn’t play, it will be a big miss for the north Londoners. That should see Ainsley Maitland Niles partner Albert Sambi Lokonga in the middle. The two youngsters will have to be extremely disciplined to help Arteta get the three points.
The Gunners have tended to go with a 4-4-2 that can change into a 4-2-3-1 in recent times which sees two spots open on the wings. That will be taken up by Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe. The latter in particular has been excellent and his good run of form was rewarded with a call-up to the England national team.
Up front, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should start and the Frenchman’s ability to bring others into the game is going to be key. Arsenal will be hoping that they can create chances on a regular basis to give themselves a shot at winning. Getting a positive result will be further proof of the progress made by this team.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup against Liverpool (4-4-2):
Aaron Ramsdale, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White, Gabriel, Kieran Tierney, Bukayo Saka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Ainsley Maitland Niles, Emile Smith Rowe, Alexandre Lacazette, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
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