Liverpool told to avoid two-man midfield against Arsenal by Merson

Paul Merson: Liverpool could face difficulties if they play the same formation against Arsenal as against Rangers

Writing for Sportskeeda (h/t Liverpool Echo), former Arsenal striker and pundit Paul Merson says that Liverpool will have a tough game against the Gunners. That is if they opt to play the same formation which gave the Reds a 2-0 win against Rangers midweek in the UEFA Champions League.

Jurgen Klopp opted to do away with his usual 4-3-3 formation following a three-goal draw against Brighton to a 4-2-3-1 against Glasgow Rangers. Diogo Jota replaced Fabinho in the midfield and played as a number 10 on the night. The double-pivot included Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara with Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz giving the wide and Darwin Nunez playing as the target man.

The new formation brought a more direct approach in front of the goal, and introduced a new dynamic in Liverpool’s attack, drifting away from the usual three-man pivot. However, Merson believes that the Reds will have a tough game if they deploy the same tactics against Arsenal.

Paul Merson: Liverpool could face difficulties if they play the same formation against Arsenal as against Rangers . — Jurgen Klopp opted for a change in formation for the UEFA Champions League match vs Glasgow Rangers.

“The Reds will have a bit more rest heading into the much-anticipated Premier League clash, but on current form, Arsenal are probably favourites as things stand. Liverpool played four forwards against Rangers and dominated the game as they secured a 2-0 win at Anfield.”
“Against Arsenal, though, I think they’ll get ripped to shreds if they play Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara against the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard as the Gunners trio have been in sublime form this season.”

As earlier mentioned, Arsenal are in stellar form this season, topping the Premier League table currently, with 21 points from eight games played. Their success is largely helped by the form of their midfield with Granit Xhaka and captain Martin Odegaard scoring vital goals throughout the season.

Liverpool could bring back their favourite formation

Furthermore, a two-man midfield with Henderson and Alcantara could take the backseat given the Gunners are also coming into the weekend fixture against the Reds on the back of a win in the Europa League.

Accordingly, Liverpool could shift back to a defensively more secure formation in the three-player midfield. Fabinho could return to the line-up to play his favoured number 6 position. The Brazilian has not been at his usual level this season. The benching against Rangers could see the 28-year-old eager to earn his place back in the playing XI.

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Regardless, Liverpool are not off to the best of starts in the Premier League and this fixture could be huge in shaping the Reds’ season ahead. Jurgen Klopp would certainly want his players to go all guns blazing against Mikel Arteta’s men.