Arsenal will welcome English Premier League rivals Liverpool to the Emirates as the race for a top-four finish tightens. A look at the standings clearly points to the fact that Saturday's early kick-off will heavily impact each team's hopes of securing European football.
Three teams are in the running for the two last Champions League spot. The Gunners are currently in the driving seat in third spot with 60 points. Manchester United trail them, a point behind, in fourth place, whilst the Reds occupy fifth with 54 points.
Arsene Wenger's crew will be looking to defeat Brendan Rodgers' side and maintain their lead over the Red Devils, and for that they well need their star players performing at their very best.
One of this is, of course, Mesut Ozil. The club's £42.5m record signing has endured a roller coaster season in similar fashion to last year. However, a huge difference is that while Ozil started life in England with a bang before eventually fading off as the season continued, the exact opposite is happening this time around.
Though all eyes were on Aaron Ramsey and summer signing Alexis Sanchez, many expected a new and improved Ozil ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, especially after winning the World Cup with Germany. In contrast, fans were left wanting as the former Real Madrid man failed to dazzle. However, upon returning from a three-month injury lay off, Ozil has been in fine form.
Ranked as the top midfielder in Europe in 2015, alongside Chelsea's Eden Hazard, the German has been influential in Arsenal's resurgence, and the stats back that claim up.
The 26-year-old, not the most prolific of players, has only three goals to his name, but makes up for his goal-shy season with five assists. Although Santi Cazorla boasts better numbers with eight assists, one must not forget that Mesut has only made 13 appearances in the English Premier League.
Last season, Arsenal's win percentage was 65% with Ozil, and this term, the Gunners have won 11 out of 13 games since his return from injury. He has also covered more ground than any of his team-mates this season, whilst also creating a whopping 35 chances.
Ozil may still have the tendency to disappear in huge games, but the Gunners ace has proven he is up to the challenge of the English Premier League. And with a lot at stake in Arsenal vs Liverpool, the Ozil factor might just tip the game in the north London side's favor.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
