Liverpool’s bid to break the Premier League points record takes them to North London to take on improving Arsenal. The Reds must win all three of their remaining league games in order to surpass Manchester City’s points record. Jurgen Klopp will be demanding a response from his Liverpool side after a disappointing draw against Burnley.
However, they will face a stern test from an improving Arsenal side. The Gunners are targeting victory to keep their Europa League hopes alive. They begin this match four points behind seventh-place Sheffield United.
Liverpool Lock Horns With Improving Arsenal
Victory For Liverpool Moves Them a Step Closer to Breaking the Premier League Points Record
The Reds head into The Emirates Stadium hoping to respond from their disappointing result against Burnley. A result which left Liverpool needing to win their remaining three matches to surpass Manchester City’s points record.
The draw also saw Liverpool’s perfect home record go – huge credit to Burnley for an excellent performance. Jurgen Klopp will demand a response from his title-winning team in North London.
However, Klopp has confirmed James Milner will be missing for the game. Liverpool’s vice-captain continues to recover from a niggling muscle injury. The Reds have no new injury concerns with Klopp likely to pick from the same squad involved against Burnley.
Despite an excellent performance on his first Premier League start, Neco Williams is likely to be dropped to the bench. Trent Alexander-Arnold was given a breather for the Burnley and should return to the team. Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dejan Lovren are pushing for a start.
Mohamed Salah is in line for his 150th Liverpool appearance. The Egyptian will hope to mark the occasion with a victory. He will fancy his chances of getting in behind Arsenal’s defence. The Liverpool front three could have plenty of space with Arsenal’s recent defensive mistakes. They will press Arsenal from the front and try to pin the Gunners back.
Victory is imperative for Liverpool as they target the points record. Three wins will do it and with Klopp expecting a response, Liverpool will be in rampant mood at Arsenal.
Improving Arsenal Ready to Test Themselves Against the Champions
There is a clear improvement at Arsenal since Mikel Arteta took over. The Gunners are playing some excellent football but their Achilles heel is their defence. Costly errors at the back saw them suffer defeat in Arteta’s first North London derby.
Arteta will want a more assured defensive display when the Champions arrive at the Emirates. The back three could remain in place having been successful since Arteta rotated his tactics and formation. Arsenal’s defence will have a busy night but they have the attacking threat to hurt Liverpool.
Liverpool have been slack defensively since the restart and Arteta will want to exploit that. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will make the runs in behind especially where the full-backs have pushed on.
Should Arteta stick with a three back, then the wing-backs will be vital to Arsenal’s chances of success. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah will regularly cut inside from the flanks.
Following Sunday’s defeat, Arteta is likely to make changes to his starting eleven. Starlet Bukayo Saka could be recalled having started on the bench. Cedric Soares, Joe Willock, Sokratis and Lucas Torriera are pushing for a start.
Previous Meeting
Liverpool won the reverse fixture back in August. A Joel Matip goal and Mohamed Salah brace ensured Liverpool victory. The two clubs also played out a pulsating five all draw in the League cup. The Reds won that on penalties.
The Liverpool Attack Should Prove Too Much For Arsenal
Both sides head into the game needing to respond from disappointing results. The Reds need the win to maintain their push for the points record. Arsenal are fighting for a European spot and anything less than victory could see their hopes dashed. Liverpool’s attack will fancy their chances against a shaky Arsenal defence. It usually is an exciting game when these two sides meet.
Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool
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