Arsenal vs. Liverpool: 10 key things to know as 3rd meets 1st in huge clash – Liverpool FC

It’s a enormous day within the capital as Premier League leaders Liverpool meet third-placed Arsenal, and Jurgen Klopp‘s aspect can open up an eight-point lead with a victory.

Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Premier League (23) | Emirates Stadium
February 4, 2024 | 4.30pm (GMT)

The Reds steamrolled Chelsea final day trip, overlook their whining, and laid down one other assertion – and on Sunday, it’s time for one more.

Listed below are 10 key issues to know forward of the conflict.

1. Nunez in doubt

The No. 9 left Wednesday’s sport with a protecting boot after somebody “stepped on his foot,” it induced swelling and a whole lot of ache for Darwin Nunez.

On Friday, Klopp stated he didn’t “know if Darwin is out there or not,” and it will likely be a case of if he can get his boot again on with minimal ache and discomfort.

There was no different workforce information to report from the supervisor, which suggests Alexis Mac Allister shall be obtainable after a heavy knock to his knee in opposition to Chelsea.

2. An enormous battle on the prime

A win would take Liverpool eight factors away from Arsenal within the desk, a separation that’s all the time good to have, particularly when already competing with the machine that’s Man Metropolis.

It’s first vs. third, and we’ve already had a style of what this fixture can supply with the draw at Anfield and the FA Cup win, which was solely a month in the past!

Klopp has famous his aspect must be “far more dominant” in opposition to the Gunners, so let’s see if they will, certainly, have extra “moments the place we’re in cost.”

3. Can Bradley or Gomez actually be dropped?!

It’s an attention-grabbing debate as, on type, Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez are greater than worthy of their locations within the beginning lineup. They’ve earned it.

The opposite argument, although, can be that they’ve began the final 5 and eight matches, respectively, a run that might put them in peril of choosing up an harm.

It’s the very last thing Liverpool want at this level of the season, and with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson each recent and with some minutes of their legs, it wouldn’t be stunning to see them return.

Both approach, it’s a robust place for the Reds to be in.

Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Jones; Jota, Diaz, Gakpo

4. Any Arsenal absentees?

There have been doubts over Gabriel Jesus after various knocks to his knee, however the ahead is predicted to take his place within the lineup.

Thomas Partey (thigh) might be in rivalry to return to the bench after a prolonged spell out of the aspect, whereas Mohamed Elneny is out there after Egypt have been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

It might not be a shock if Arteta made just one change to his aspect from their win over Nottingham Forest final day trip, with Emile Smith Rowe making approach for Kai Havertz.

Potential Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Odegaard, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

6. The reward that retains on giving

The academy has gifted us some unbelievable expertise over time, and Klopp’s legacy would be the pathway from the youth stage to the primary workforce.

His belief and religion are second to none, and This Is Anfield not too long ago received some perception from Kirkby (video above) on the importance of the door being left open for kids.

At Arsenal, we may see academy graduates Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley, James McConnell and Bobby Clark all within the squad. Unbelievable.

6. Jota’s time to shine

Diogo Jota loves a aim in opposition to Arsenal. In actual fact, he’s scored extra in opposition to the Gunners than he has another workforce, with seven in 10 outings for Liverpool – plus two assists.

His seven targets have are available a complete of 599 minutes of motion in opposition to them, which averages out to a aim each 85 minutes.

With 4 targets and an help in his final 4 video games, he’s picked the right second to hit a wealthy vein of type. Extra please, Diogo.

7. Klopp says it’s time to “buckle up”

There are greater than three months of the season remaining and Liverpool are within the thick of it throughout 4 competitions, and Klopp had a superb message for what’s to come back:

“That is the most effective league on the earth and we’re prime of the desk, what does that say?

“Are there any unhealthy gamers on this workforce? Nah!

“The job is to not mirror on what they did, or how unbelievable they’re, good trying on prime of that, and all these sorts of issues.

“It’s actually about us digging deep into the season, hold going, maintain your breath, buckle up and go for it.”

You heard the boss!

8. The second half to show defining?

Liverpool have scored extra second-half targets than another workforce within the Premier League, with 32. Arsenal and Man Metropolis are shut behind with 28.

As for targets conceded within the second 45, the Reds are on prime having let simply eight targets in, with the Gunners subsequent consistent with 12 conceded.

So, two groups who develop into the sport and may hold the opposition out late on. It’s going to be an attention-grabbing battle, however we are able to solely hope it ends the identical approach it did solely final month.

9. You’ve received to be joking

At this level, it’s totally laughable. You wrongly decide a handball is not a handball the earlier time these two sides meet and also you’re then rewarded with the identical job!

All that to say, David Coote is on VAR for this one. They will need to have a proper snigger after they do these appointments.

The referee on the pitch is Anthony Taylor, and the fourth official is Craig Pawson.

10. Observe together with TIA!

Arsenal vs. Liverpool shall be proven dwell on Sky Sports activities Predominant Occasion within the UK, with protection ranging from 4pm (UK). We may also have our worldwide information for you just a few hours earlier than kickoff.

Should you fancy a bit of extra biased commentary and evaluation, This Is Anfield’s matchday dwell weblog is the place to be! Harry McMullen is on the helm from 3.45pm.

Into these, Reds!