Arsenal will welcome Liverpool to the Emirates on Saturday evening as they make a last-ditch attempt to hang onto their Europa League qualification hopes via the domestic league. Gross inconsistency has been the bane of the Gunners who are still rebuilding under Mikel Arteta. But despite their plight, only two places and four points separate the London club and the Premier League's defending champions in the seventh position as we head into the business end of the season. In essence, both sides have fallen short of expectation, and the fact that a Europa League place is their most realistic shot at featuring in Europe speaks volume.
Arsenal will approach the weekend's encounter on the back of an intriguing 3-3 draw with local rivals West Ham prior to the international break. After conceding three goals in the first half, the Gunners responded well and clawed their way back with a brilliant performance in the second half. In the end, two own-goals by the Hammers and Alexandre Lacazette's strike proved to be enough to ensure the sharing of spoils between the pair.
The result safeguarded Arsenal's recent unbeaten run that has seen them register two wins and two draws across their last four league outings. However, a rather worrying bit of statistic is that they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of the last four appearances, with an average concession rate of more than a goal per game. In fact, the last time they managed to finish a game without picking the ball from their net was in the 0-0 meeting with Manchester United in January.
For Liverpool, this presents them with the perfect opportunity to capitalize on another Premier League club's shortcomings and unleashing their attacking talents to get the results. The Reds have uncharacteristically endured a topsy-turvy ride that has seen their title defence going down the drain. The Anfield club is currently 25 points adrift of league leaders Manchester City who are a few wins away from securing the 2020/2021 Premier League season.
Injuries have played massive roles in this development as often times Liverpool were forced to resort to make-shift systems in the absence of their key players. But, gradually, they seem to be finding their feet with their last two outings ending in wins. Prior to that, Jurgen Klopp' men had won one of four outings, including three successive home defeats in the Premier League.
They may not be in contention for the league title but a win over Arsenal will be enough vindication for the League Cup elimination they suffered against Saturday's hosts. The 3-1 win in the reverse league clash should also serve as enough motivation for them to secure back to back wins.
Team news
Arsenal could be without two of their finest talents in Bukayo Saka and Emile-Smith Rowe when they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates on Saturday. The former is battling with a hamstring injury while the latter is racing against time to be available for selection following a thigh injury. Granit Xhaka has been struggling with a bout of sickness while David Luiz is ruled out with an injury.
On the other hand, Liverpool will be without Joe Gomez, Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson, Divock Origi and Joel Matip. Roberto Firmino returns to the fold after missing the Reds' last three outings against Fulham, RB Leipzig and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Predicted starting XI
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Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, Mari, Gabriel, Tierney; Partey, Elneny; Pepe, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette
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Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Thiago; Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Broadcast information
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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