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The first of two clashes against Arsenal in a few days pits champions Jurgen Klopp against Mikel Arteta’s resurgent Gunners in the Premier Leauge.
Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Monday, September 28, 2020 – 8 pm (BST)
Anfield
Premier League (3)
Referee: Craig Pawson
All the focus is on Arsenal this week in two intriguing battles that will pit the depth of each squad against each other with top-notch action ahead of League Cup duties.
The Reds are heading into their first game after a 7-2 loss to Lincoln and a convincing 2-0 win at Chelsea, with momentum now in favor of Liverpool.
Anfield will host an unbeaten streak of 61 league games at stake, against a team that Klopp’s men have been unable to overcome in their previous two meetings.
And if you feel like Arsenal have become a mainstay on Liverpool’s list of matches, then you wouldn’t be exactly wrong, as this will be the third of four games in less than three months, following the league meeting in the final. of the 2019/20 season and the Community Shield.
It presents an early opportunity to avenge the loss at Wembley and score nine points out of nine, and we can look forward to a composed and focused team this time with most of the cobwebs now a thing of the past.
An intriguing battle will certainly ensue, but at home Klopp’s men should have enough firepower to end Arsenal’s undefeated start to the season.
Team news
Thiago is the name on everyone’s lips: will he start or not?
The Spaniard started from the bench at Chelsea and was not in the call of the day at Lincoln and, with Jordan Henderson ruled out due to a thigh injury, his chances of making a full debut are high.
However, the boss kept his lips tight as he refused to confirm or deny, simply stating that it is “in dispute”.
After making 10 changes at Lincoln, the regular faces of the first team will return to the fray and could include Joe Gomez after the center-back recovered from a minor blow that kept him out of the frame in the last two games.
He was able to see Fabinho pushed back to his favorite midfield position after successfully completing his absence.
Joel Matip remains sidelined alongside Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and the captain.
For Arsenal, Shkodran Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Gabriel Martinelli remained on the sidelines, while both Kieran Tierney and Cedric Soares could be in the fight.
Possible Arsenal XI: Log; Holding, Luiz, Gabriel; Bellerin, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Ceballos; Willian, Aubameyang, Lacazette
Last 5 at home to Arsenal (all competitions)
Tied 5-5 (won 5-4 on pens) – October 2019 (Mustafi OG, Milner pen, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Origi x2; Torreira, Martinelli x2, Maitland-Niles, Willock)
Won 3-1 – August 2019 (Matip, Salah x2 (1 pen); Torreira)
Won 5-1 – December 2018 (Firmino x3, Mane, Salah; Maitland-Niles)
Won 4-0 – August 2017 (Firmino, Mane, Salah, Sturridge)
Won 3-1 – March 2017 (Firmino, Mane, Wijnaldum; Welbeck)
Did you know
Liverpool have only kept two clean sheets in the last 23 home games against Arsenal in all competitions since December 2001.
The Reds have won just 10 of those games (including last season’s penalty shootout), but they’ve outscored the Gunners 57-45 in that time.
It means that we can certainly expect goals.
To form
Liverpool – Last Five Results (All Competitions)
Won 7-2 against Lincoln
Won 2-0 against Chelsea
Won 4-3 against Leeds
Won 7-2 against Blackpool
Drew 1-1 against Arsenal (lost 5-4 in pens)
Arsenal – Last Five Results (All Competitions)
Won 2-0 against Leicester
Won 2-1 against West Ham
Won 3-0 against Fulham
Drew 1-1 against Liverpool (won 5-4 on pens)
Won 4-1 against MK Dons
Klopp’s opinion
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the manager praised the opposition’s defensive efforts, but there is no reason Liverpool cannot take all three points:
“Arsenal defend adequately. All players are involved in defense.
“They probably defend 5-4-1 and when you have quality players that makes it quite difficult for the opponents, especially when they have speed for the counter attack. It can cause problems.
“I can say many positive things about Arsenal because they are true, but I still think we have a chance on Monday night.
TV information and Liveblog
Liverpool vs. Arsenal will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage starting at 7.45pm (BST) before the 8pm kick-off
Chris williams will be available to keep you informed and up-to-date with all the action on the This Is Anfield matchday live blog, starting at 7.15pm (BST).
