{"id":509864,"date":"2019-08-23T03:00:13","date_gmt":"2019-08-23T07:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=509864"},"modified":"2019-08-23T09:03:24","modified_gmt":"2019-08-23T13:03:24","slug":"mesut-ozil-arsenal-training-liverpool","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/08\/23\/mesut-ozil-arsenal-training-liverpool\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesut Ozil Returns to Arsenal Training Ahead of Liverpool Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Arsenal<\/a> have won their first two matches of a Premier League season for the first time in a decade. However, their fixtures list has gotten much tougher after those opening games and they face a trip to Anfield next. Arsenal\u00a0will receive a boost as Mesut Ozil<\/a> and Granit Xhaka<\/a> have both returned to full first-team training.<\/p>\n

Arsenal Get Mesut Ozil Boost Ahead of Anfield Clash<\/h2>\n

Team News<\/h3>\n

Arsenal were without both Mesut Ozil and Granit Xhaka for their 2-1 win over Burnley<\/a> last weekend. The midfield trio of Dani Ceballos<\/a>, Matteo Guendouzi<\/a> and Joe Willock performed admirably in their absence.<\/a><\/p>\n

However, Unai Emery will enjoy having additional midfield options when he faces off against Jurgen Klopp. The club has confirmed<\/a> that long-term absentee Rob Holding<\/a> has also rejoined first-team training. It is unlikely, however, for fans to see the English defender return in this match.<\/p>\n

The Opposition<\/h3>\n

Liverpool<\/a> had their best season since the start of the Premier League last year. The Reds pushed Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City<\/a> all the way to the final day of the league season and only missed out on the trophy by a single point.<\/p>\n

Then, of course, they went on to defeat Tottenham Hotspur<\/a> in the Champions League final. Klopp’s men have begun this new season in much the same vein, beating both Norwich City<\/a> and Southampton<\/a> to start the new campaign.<\/p>\n

They also won out on penalties against Chelsea<\/a> in the European Supercup. In the same fixture last season, Arsenal were beaten heavily by a 5-1 scoreline. However, the Gunners stymied the Reds at home to earn a point.<\/p>\n

Options for Emery<\/h3>\n

With the return of Granit Xhaka and Mesut Ozil, Unai Emery and Arsenal have plenty of options as far as their formation and starting XI. The Gunners used a 4-2-3-1 against Newcastle United<\/a> and a flat 4-3-3 versus Burnley.<\/p>\n

However, Unai Emery did use a back three against some big six opposition last season. As far as defensive solidity goes, this would likely yield better results. The manager is known to prefer a back four, however.<\/p>\n

Emery will have a selection headache in midfield regardless of formation. The midfield trio did well last week so it would be harsh to see any of the three not get a start this weekend.<\/p>\n

Predictions<\/h3>\n

Liverpool have one of the best attacks in Europe at the moment, so it would make sense for Emery to line his side up in a back three. Because he will want to get both of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang<\/a> and Alexandre Lacazette<\/a> on the pitch, a 3-5-2 is preferable.<\/p>\n

Predicted lineup<\/strong>: Bernd Leno<\/a>, Sokratis Papastathopoulos<\/a>, David Luiz<\/a>, Calum Chambers<\/a>, Ainsley Maitland-Niles<\/a>, Sead Kolasinac<\/a>, Xhaka, Ceballos, Guendouzi, Aubameyang, Lacazette<\/p>\n

As far as a scoreline, Arsenal will find life difficult at Anfield. While they had a terrific summer, their squad is simply not cut from the same cloth as Liverpool’s.<\/p>\n

However, that does not mean this will be a one-sided match. Arsenal are more than capable of netting a goal or two and should provide excellent opposition at Anfield.<\/p>\n

Predicted score<\/strong>: Liverpool 3-2 Arsenal<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>