It’s a top-of-the-table clash and for once, it doesn’t involve Manchester City. Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on December 23 as first takes on second in a battle which is the pick of the weekend’s fixtures.
Liverpool are coming off a drab 0-0 draw against Manchester United where they were expected to win comfortably. Arsenal are coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win against Brighton that sent another reminder to the Premier League that they are a force here to stay.
Here’s the match preview, team news, and prediction for the marquee fixture as the top of the table will look much different after this week.
Liverpool vs Arsenal preview
The campaigns Liverpool and Arsenal are having are eerily similar. One is on 39 points (Arsenal), the other is on 38. They both have conceded exactly 15 goals.
Liverpool have scored just one more than the Gunners (36-35), and they both rely on their wide forward for their most important attacking threats (Saka vs Salah).
In many ways, with both teams an ascending force, this is the perfect time for the game to find out who is truly the better team. Liverpool will be determined to put the fear of Anfield back in the footballing world’s minds after United snuck away with a draw.
Arsenal will be hoping for a statement win at arguably world football’s toughest away venue and cement their position at the top of the table.
If Aston Villa fade away a bit, as is expected (but don’t count on it), then their nearest challenger is Manchester City, who are already four points behind Liverpool at 34. Therefore, this could be the game where the title favourite is crowned.
Liverpool vs Arsenal predicted lineups
Liverpool team news
No new injuries were the only positive for Liverpool after their draw against the Red Devils as Ryan Gravenberch’s substitution was due to fatigue only.
However, the Dutchman has struggled to perform at expected levels since coming to the club. Therefore, Curtis Jones might replace him for this game. The defence will remain unchanged from that game mainly due to a lack of options. Joe Gomez is the only viable option but Konate has done well next to Van Dijk.
There could be a change in attack. Cody Gakpo had a lively cameo after coming off the bench against United and he could be rewarded with a starting place at the expense of Luis Diaz.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas, Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Arsenal team news
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