Premier League leaders Arsenal travel to Anfield to reaffirm their position as the top contenders for the title. The Gunners have amassed a grand 15 points out of a possible 18 in the last six games and are the team to beat. On the other hand, their hosts for the evening have managed a mediocre 7 points in the last 6. Yet, a travel to one of the most intimidating ground beckons and Wenger will be keen to prove his mettle against Klopp.
Team News
Liverpool
Injuries have struck down this Liverpool side so bad that they have had to recall a lot of youngsters on loan across England. They will definitely be without the services of Coutinho, Lovren, Origi and Skrtel amongst many others meaning Kolo Toure would start against his former employers alongside Sakho. Klopp has also revealed that Henderson, Sturridge and Ibe remain in contention for the game on Wednesday.
Arsenal
Arsenal remain without Coquelin, Sanchez, Wilshere and Welbeck for the evening. However, the side has found some good balance in the midfield pivot of Flamini and Ramsey and will look to dominate the middle of the park to ensure their dominance atop the league continues.
Interesting Facts
This will be the 200th meeting between these two teams in all competitions, with Liverpool winning on 76 occasions compared to Arsenal’s 72 wins.
Possible Line-Up
Liverpool
Mignolet, Clyne, Toure, Sakho, Moreno, Lucas, Can, Henderson, Firmino, Lallana, Benteke.
Arsenal
Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Flamini, Ramsey, Campbell, Ozil, Walcott, Giroud
Key Men
Emre Can
Emre Can will be critical to Liverpool’s fortunes against the Gunners. The German has been amongst the top creators in his side while ensuring he does his fair share of dirty work in the middle of the park. With fellow countryman Mesut Ozil tearing teams apart, Can has his task cut out.
At just 22 years of age, people forget that Can is still young and will make numerous mistakes. Yet, this is a game where a foot wrong could send his side spiralling further down the league table. Can, who harpers hopes of being on the plain to France for the coming European Championships and a solid performance in a game against the heavy weights of English league is a must.
Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil has been phenomenal for Arsenal this season, creating chances at will. He has created 83 chances in the league, with 16 of them having resulted in an assist and looks en route to break Thierry Henry’s Premier League record of 20 assists in a season.
Liverpool’s defence has been caught napping on numerous occasions this season and Ozil will be grab the opportunities presented to him. Should Liverpool fail to contain him and offer him time and space to work in, they would be in a spot of bother.
Prediction
Jurgen Klopp has had incredible results against the bigger boys of the league and we expect the trend to continue, with Liverpool winning the tie 2-1.
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