Liverpool FC would hope for a positive start to their domestic business post the international break as Jurgen Klopp’s men go up against Arsenal this coming weekend in North London.
The Reds had displayed somewhat of an upsurge in form heading into the international break with consecutive wins against RB Leipzig and Wolves but still remain far from their usual standards whilst on the pitch.
As the battle for the top-four finish heats up and the likes of Chelsea and West Ham United seem to fend off challenges from the Merseysiders, the Emirates Stadium showdown on Sunday becomes an all-important tie for Liverpool FC.
Arsenal too are lagging behind in the ninth spot and hopes of ensuring their place in Europa League football next season looks bleak for Mikel Arteta’s side but a favourite result for the hosts in the weekend tie could close the gap to just one point on their forthcoming opponents.
A majority of the Liverpool FC players enjoyed a great time with their countries across the ongoing international break and their reporting back to the Anfield camp should bring about a change for the best at the under-fire defending champions of the land.
Liverpool FC’s latest outing in top-flight action was the much-narrow win away at Wolves which was secured only through the returning Diogo Jota clinching a vital first-half stoppage-time goal to his name while facing his former colours.
💥 Phillips ➡️ Mane ➡️ Salah ➡️ Mane ➡️ Jota ⚽️🔥 pic.twitter.com/rT1XtGtoyf
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 16, 2021
That game at the Molineux Stadium did witness Jurgen Klopp’s men put together an inspired showing on all fronts despite a host of first-team regulars being absent for the clash.
Should the Merseysiders still harbour ambitions of pipping Chelsea to the fourth spot in the league table come mid-May, each of the remaining nine fixtures in domestic football would take precedence for Klopp and Co.
Sunday’s visit to the Emirates Stadium should not prove to be difficult for the Reds provided they turn up with the focus of securing what would be pivotal three points against a strong-looking XI on paper.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Sunday 4 April
Time: 7:30 PM GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool FC have reported no fresh injury concerns as the international break nears its close and Jurgen Klopp will have his fingers crossed on this remaining the case heading into Sunday’s showdown.
Roberto Firmino back in training at Kirkby. In contention for Arsenal away on Saturday after missing the past three matches due to injury. #LFC
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) March 29, 2021
One player’s whose fitness would be subject to much-evaluation would be Roberto Firmino following the Brazillian forward missing the last three games for the Reds owing to a knock.
His replacement in the starting lineup has been the ever-brilliant Diogo Jota who looks all but certain to be handed another outing upfront come Sunday but Klopp would be hoping to have his reliant attacking option in the form of Firmino up and running.
Skipper Jordan Henderson remains a long-term absentee due to a groin injury picked up by the England international last month.
KEY BATTLE
Alexandre Lacazette vs Nat Phillips
Lacazette has established himself to be Mikel Arteta’s preferred option in the centre of the strike force for the Gunners and the Frenchman’s prolific ability in front of the goal in recent times has made him quite a threat for opposition backlines.
With three goals in his last five outings, the former Lyon man should make for a brilliant head-to-head contest against Liverpool FC’s newly found defensive colossus Nat Phillips.
Three starts together, three clean sheets for this pair 👊🔴 pic.twitter.com/6INtRFEgsi
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 27, 2021
The 23-year-old has been a delight to watch marshalling the injury-ravaged Red defence alongside new recruit Ozan Kabak and would hope his rich vein of form continues well after facing the likes of Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Sunday.
MATCH PREDICTION
Recent showings have suggested that Klopp’s men might be on the right track which takes them straight back to the brand of football that has come to be associated with the reigning champions.
Arsenal’s attacking brilliance has been on display in the recent outings for the Londoners but were we to predict a winner for this weekend’s high-billed contest, Liverpool FC would be our best bet.
Our prediction is Jurgen Klopp’s Merseyside men securing a 3-1 scoreline on their travels away from home.
