Arsenal and Unai Emery face a huge test of their title credentials as they host Liverpool in the Premier League game on Saturday night. The Gunners are in the midst of a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, having not suffered a defeat since the 3-2 loss to Chelsea back in August. Liverpool, on the other hand are joint league leaders, having dropped just four points from an available 30 this campaign. The Reds have shown their title mettle this season after drawing games against Chelsea and Manchester City while defeating Tottenham at Wembley.
Arsenal know that a win would take them within a point of Jurgen Klopp’s men on the log. We take a look at the 11 players that could feature against the 13-time English champions in the late kickoff on Saturday.
Goalkeeper
Bernd Leno should retain his place from the game at Crystal Palace, though Petr Cech is back after some time out on the sidelines due to injury. The German stopper has impressed in Cech’s absence and may be given the nod for this one.
Defence
With Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac still not fully fit following their respective injuries, Granit Xhaka may be tasked with the responsibility of keeping Mo Salah quiet at left back. At right back, Stephan Lichtsteiner should be high on confidence after netting in Wednesday’s League Cup victory over Blackpool.
The Swiss veteran could start as Hector Bellerin continues to recover from his thigh injury. Shkodran Mustafi and Rob Holding will be partnering at central defence, with Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Laurent Koscielny still sidelined.
Midfield
Arsenal are a little light in midfield but they can still count on the pairing of Lucas Torreira and Aaron Ramsey. Mohammed Elneny is struggling with his injury while French youngster Matteo Guendouzi received a red card in the win over Blackpool. In attacking midfield, Arsenal can call on the full complement of their players. On the left, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang should get the nod, while Mesut Ozil remains fundamental in the space behind the striker. On the right, Alex Iwobi looks like a man reborn and will assuredly cause problems for Liverpool’s backline.
Attack
French forward, Alexandre Lacazette is in good form and should lead the line of what is an impressive attacking lineup for The North Londoners.
Predicted Arsenal XI v Liverpool
Probable lineup: Leno, Xhaka, Mustafi, Holding, Lichtsteiner; Ramsey, Torreira ; Aubameyang, Ozil, Iwobi; Lacazette.