Liverpool v Arsenal Preview: Can the Gunners Finally End Their Anfield Curse?
Arsenal travel to Anfield on Sunday for one of their biggest Premier League tests of the season, knowing victory would extend their six-point advantage over Liverpool to nine points and end a 14-year wait for a league win at the famous ground.
Mikel Arteta’s side have won seven of their opening eight league matches and sit level on points with Manchester City at the top, although City lead on goal difference.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are fourth, six points behind Arsenal after a mixed start under Andoni Iraola. However, three wins in their last four league games suggest the Reds are beginning to find their rhythm.
Liverpool’s recent Premier League form has improved, with three wins from their last four matches, including a 2-0 victory over Brighton at Anfield. Alexander Isak has also started the season strongly, scoring six goals in eight league appearances, and will pose a significant threat to Arsenal’s defence.
Arsenal and Liverpool Team News
Arteta has confirmed that Declan Rice and Riccardo Calafiori have returned to training after missing the midweek Carabao cup defeat to Fleetwood Town.
Christos Tzolis has also resumed training following his October absence, while Noni Madueke could be available after sitting out the Fleetwood match.
Liverpool have injury concerns of their own. Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz could return, but Jeremie Frimpong is ruled out with a hamstring problem. Hugo Ekitike, Geovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley remain sidelined.
Arsenal’s defensive record offers encouragement ahead of the trip. The Gunners have kept five clean sheets in eight league games and conceded fewer big chances than any other Premier League side.
However, Anfield has been a difficult hunting ground. Arsenal have failed to win any of their last 13 Premier League visits, with their most recent league victory there coming in September 2012.
Arteta believes it is time to change that record:
“I think all the top clubs are certainly title challengers, and it’s so early in the season, when you look at the squad, the manager that they have and the history for sure. We expect a big game on Sunday; we’re looking forward to it, for sure. It’s 14 years that we haven’t won there, so it’s time to do it.”
Predicted Arsenal Lineup and Score Prediction
Predicted Arsenal XI:
Raya; White, Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori; Guimaraes, Rice, Ødegaard; Madueke, Eze, Gyökeres.
Liverpool’s pace on the counterattack will test Arsenal, particularly with Isak in such good form. However, the Gunners’ defensive organisation and midfield strength could give them the edge.
Arteta will also be looking for a positive response after the embarrassing cup exit at Fleetwood.
Score prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal.
It will take an excellent performance to end that Anfield drought, but Arsenal have the quality to do it.
