Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on December 23 in a vital fixture in the Premier League title race. The Gunners sit top, just a point clear of Jürgen Klopp’s side. This is our Liverpool predicted lineup.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal
"I love it!"
Jürgen Klopp on Saturday's 'super-important' #LIVARS clash 🗣️
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 22, 2023
How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently
Alisson Becker has started in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Kostas Tsimikas completing the back line.
Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai start in midfield, with Wataru Endo in a slightly deeper role.
Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz occupy the wings, with Darwin Núñez up front. With the “chaotic” Uruguayan on an 11-match goal drought, Cody Gakpo could come into the side.
Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics
Liverpool destroyed West Ham to progress to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, where they will play Fulham in a two-legged affair.
The first half displayed a performance very similar to recent matches, with limited opportunities created. Eight of the Red’s 11 shots came from outside the box, including the only goal from Szoboszlai.
This performance was similar to the 0-0 draw against Manchester United: lots of shots from distance, plenty of the ball, and yet very little goalscoring threat. In the first half against West Ham, they generated an XG of just 0.51.
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However, a mix of a half-time team talk and impactful substitutions in the 60th minute led to four goals – leaving Liverpool 5-1 victors.
Alexander-Arnold’s 30-minute cameo helped secure the victory with two assists. This included a spectacular defence-splitting pass from his own defensive third, putting Salah through on goal for an easy finish.
It was clear the 25-year-old’s performance was crucial to his team’s impressive attacking fluidity.
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The first half was a disappointing display against a West Ham back-four that included just one regular starting player (Vladimir Coufal).
By contrast, the second half was one of attacking prowess and ruthlessness. Klopp will need to replicate that for the full 90 against Arsenal, and Alexander-Arnold will be a big part of that.
Liverpool Injuries to Consider
Klopp revealed injury updates in a press conference yesterday afternoon.
Gravenberch, who went off injured against Manchester United, is available for this fixture. It is unclear whether he will start, with Klopp’s exact words being that he is “fine.”
Diogo Jota and Alexis Mac Allister continue their recovery: “Macca and Diogo getting closer and closer but not ready for tomorrow.”
We received positive news on Andy Robertson: “I think it’s a short time until he can be back, we hope it will be January but I don’t know.”
Thiago Alcântara, Stefan Bajčetić, and Jöel Matip remain out long-term.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup
GK: Alisson Becker
LB: Kostas Tsimikas
CB: Virgil van Dijk
CB: Ibrahima Konaté
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold
CM: Curtis Jones
DM: Wataru Endo
CM: Dominik Szoboszlai
LW: Luis Díaz
ST: Cody Gakpo
RW: Mohamed Salah
