Liverpool predicted lineup vs Arsenal as Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz decisions await
Following five successive victory in all competitions, there is tentative talk that Liverpool might just be title contenders. Well, a visit from reigning champions Arsenal to Anfield will provide a serious litmus test of the Reds' credentials.
Ahead of this huge game, Andoni Iraola faces some key selection decisions, so here is our predicted Liverpool lineup.
GK: Alisson
After Giorgi Mamardashvili started the mid-week EFL Cup win over Chelsea, proving to be the penalty shootout hero, Alisson will return in goal.
RB: Ronald Araújo
In a somewhat surprising move, Ronald Araújo started at centre-back on Wednesday, with Joe Gomez at right-back. Here though, in the continued absence of Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley, the Uruguayan will be back at full-back.
CB: Jérémy Jacquet
Jérémy Jacquet will maintain his record of having started every Premier League game this season.
CB: Virgil van Dijk
Following a rare early round Carabao Cup start, Virgil van Dijk will face Arsenal for the 25th time in his career, beaten only three times by the Gunners since joining Liverpool.
LB: Miloš Kerkez
After Kostas Tsimikas played the full 90 minutes against Chelsea, Miloš Kerkez will return at left-back.
CDM: Ryan Gravenberch
Following his impressive performance in the League Cup, many Liverpool fans are calling for teenager Trey Nyoni to start in midfield. However, Iraola is likely to opt for the vastly more experienced Ryan Gravenberch.
CM: Alexis Mac Allister
Dominik Szoboszlai has missed the last three matches due to a hamstring injury suffered on international duty, which he then exacerbated at Brentford. However, Iraola intimated in his press conference on Friday that the Hungarian international could be in contention to feature.
However, it seems highly unlikely that Szoboszlai will be thrown straight into the lineup, especially considering Alexis Mac Allister's impressive recent form.
CAM: Florian Wirtz
Despite suffering a knock against Brighton, Florian Wirtz was fit enough to feature off the bench in the EFL Cup, so will return to the starting XI here.
RW: Bradley Barcola
The other injury question mark surrounds Víctor Muñoz. The Spaniard has missed the last three matches due to a knee issue but, like Szoboszlai, Iraola suggested the Spaniard could be available.
Nevertheless, given that he has an array of wide-attackers from which to chose, Muñoz will at best be on the bench. Thus, as was the case last Sunday, after bagging an assists against Brighton, Bradley Barcola is set to be deployed on the right.
LW: Cody Gakpo
This would see Cody Gakpo operate from the left, despite Rio Ngumoha's recent impressive performances. The Dutchman scored when Arsenal visited Anfield two seasons ago.
ST: Alexander Isak
Last, but by no means least, is another man with an excellent record against the Gunners. Alexander Isak twice netted across just five outings against Mikel Arteta's team during his time at Newcastle, so can he add to his six goals in his last six Premier League appearances?
