Sunday’s outing to North London is expected to be a stern test away from home turf for Liverpool who take on the table toppers Arsenal in a must-win game for Jurgen Klopp’s under-fire side.
Liverpool have struggled this new season with their poorest start to a campaign in recent times despite some encouraging signs in Tuesday night’s win over Scottish outfit Rangers in the Champions League group stage fixture.
Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah ensured the 2-0 victory for the Merseysiders on home turf but Jurgen Klopp would be aware of the rut his players have endured in Premier League action which was on show in the 3-3 draw against Brighton last time around.
Klopp’s men remain in search of their first league win on their travels this term and taking on a high-flying Arsenal side, who have been phenomenal of late, is unlikely to be the outing Jordan Henderson and Co. were looking for to claim what could be just their second league win of the campaign.
The Gunners ensured that they remain at the top of the league standings by defeating their fiercest rivals Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 in the North London derby last weekend with goals from Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka.
Liverpool’s main men have failed to shine so far, barring the Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino who has scored five times in six Premier League games, and the pressure on the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk would be increasing as they look to hit the ground running.
WHEN & WHERE?
Next up, a trip to @Arsenal 👊 #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/kikqxPqjEx
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 6, 2022
Date: Sunday 9 October 2022
Time: 7 PM GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Andy Robertson is understood to be at least a week away from his return from a knee issue which leads us to believe that Kostas Tsimikas would retain his starting berth on the team sheet.
Ibrahima Konate was named among the substitutes for the first time this season earlier this week against Rangers as the Frenchman looks to work his way to full fitness in the coming days.
Fabinho will be pushing for a recall into the XI after being benched for the Rangers clash and the midfielder’s return could force Jurgen Klopp to revert to his 4-3-3 formation.
KEY BATTLE
Gabriel Jesus vs Diogo Jota
Jesus has enjoyed a flying start to life in the Arsenal shirt since his summer switch from Manchester City with the Brazilian striker netting five times in eight league outings to emerge as the talisman for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Liverpool’s central striker in Diogo Jota, however, has struggled to replicate his past heroics and with Firmino breathing down the former’s neck, it is now or never for Jota to bounce back form his recent spell of misfiring form.
MATCH PREDICTION
Arsenal head into Sunday’s contest as the favorites on the back of their derby win last weekend while Liverpool have failed to convince viewers so far this term that they are contenders for the top flight crown.
Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool
