After the disappointing showing at Stoke City, Arsenal would have preferred any fixture than what they have at hand.
Playing Liverpool lately,(no thanks to Jurgen Klopp) has become a tough nut to crack for the Gunners. It was a terrible experience playing them last season as the North London club lost both the home and away fixtures.
Though the result at the Emirates could be excused on the ground that the defensive line was composed of second fiddle players, Liverpool totally outclassed Arsenal at Anfield and the Gunners will have to be at their best to avoid a repeat of that defeat.
With three points from two games, Arsenal must do all they can to get a result as a loss will see them drop further down the Table. With Manchester United winning all their three games, it will be an uphill task for Arsenal to stay in touch if they fail to get a result.
TEAM NEWS
In terms of availability of players, the Emirates club has a lot to smile about. Laurent Koscielny returns after serving his three match ban for a reckless tackle towards the end of last season.
He will have the chance to partner with any of the defensive players. Mertesacker, Mustafi, Kolasinac, Monreal, Holding, Bellerin – indeed, all of Arsenal’s defensive players are all available for selection.
In the midfield, Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin are available for selection, joining the likes of Ramsey, Xhaka, and Elneny.
Upfront, Alexis Sanchez is finally available and will join the likes of Danny Welbeck, Mesut Ozil, Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott. Alexandre Lacazzette and Oliver Giroud are both available to start and it remains to be seen who Wenger prefers.
Coming to Liverpool, they are in great form. After slipping to a draw in their opening game, they have responded with two wins against Crystal Palace and Hoffenheim. New boy Mohammed Salah has integrated well with the team and will join the likes of Mane, Firmino, and Coutinho to break the Gunners defence.
It promises to be a gripping encounter as both teams will try to keep up with the top in this initial part of the long season.
