Today at 1 PM Eastern time, Arsenal face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the 11th round of the Premier League. Liverpool at the moment are in 2nd place with 26 points, the same as league leaders Manchester City who lead on goal difference. Arsenal are currently in 4th place with 22 points, a loss to Liverpool would make them 7 points away from first place. Arsenal are currently undefeated in their last 12 games in all competitions, with their last lost being vs Chelsea in August 18. Liverpool on the other hand, are one of the three teams along with Manchester City and Chelsea that are still undefeated in the Premier League. Liverpool’s last lost was against Napoli in the UEFA Champions League on October 3rd.
The last time these two teams went against each other was an exciting match we hope that occurs again. The match was hosted at Arsenal’s home stadium, the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool took the lead in the first half after a Philippe Coutinho header in the box, and Mohamed Salah scored in the second half from curved shot outside the right side of the 18 yard box. With it being 2-0 at their home, the Arsenal players knew they needed to step up. Within a minute of Salah’s goal, Hector Bellerin crosses the ball from the right flank and Alexis Sanchez scores a header, bringing Arsenal back in the game the 53rd minute . 3 minutes after, Granit Xhaka make it 2-2 with a long shot that Liverpool goalkeeper, Simon Mignolet, couldn’t stop. Arsenal had their momentum pumping and at the 58th minute, Mesut Ozil brings the ball in and passes the ball towards Alexandre Lacazette. Lacazette back heels it to Ozil and chips it over Mignolet, the atmosphere in the Emirates Stadium goes insane after Arsenal take the lead from a 2-0 deficit in just 6 minutes. In the 72nd minute, Roberto Firmino shoots the ball and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech put a hand to it, but it wasn’t strong enough and Firmino ties the game for Liverpool at 3-3.
Liverpools predicted line up:
GK: Alisson Becker
With Jurgen Klopp having difficulties over his two goalkeepers last season, with first choice Loris Karius blunders in the Champions League final. Klopp has splashed the cash on excited goalkeeper, Alisson Becker after his tremendous season with Roma and Brazil.
Defense: Andrew Robertston (LB) Van Dijk (CB) Gomez (CB) Alexander-Arnold (RB)
Since the arrival of Virgal Van Dijk last January, he’s turned Liverpools mediocre defense into a wall that’s only conceded 4 goals this season.
Midfield: Keita (CM) Fabinho (CDM) Milner (CM)
Both summer midfield signings Naby Keita and Fabinho will most likely start, alongside Georginio Wijandlum who has been one of Liverpools most crucial midfielders under manager Jurgen Klopp.
Forward: Salah (RW) Firmino (CF) Mane (LW)
Salah, Mane, and Firmino have been arguably the best front three in the last year, causing opposition side problems with Salah and Manes speed and agility. Firmino links up the play the most, playing more as a false number 9 creating the chances for Mane and Salah. Mane is their top score this season with 6 goals and with Salah entering back in form, he is another deadly asset after breaking the record last year of most goals in a league season with 32.
Arsenal Predicted line up:
GK: Bernd Leno
With the German joining the team this summer from Bayer Leverkusen, he’s most likely to start ahead of Petr Cech who has just returned from injury. Leno being able to pass the ball from the back is very crucial for manager Unai Emerys tactics.
Defense: Maitland-Niles (LB) Sokratis (CB) Holding (CB) Mustafi (RB)
Maitland-Niles is most likely to start at left back, with the versatile midfielder able to play in that position. With Bellerin being doubtful with an injury, Shkodran Mustafi should play in right back due to Lichtsteiner not being able to handle to pace of Salah or Mane. Mustafi won the world cup in 2014 with Germany, playing at right back when needed to.
Midfield: Xhaka (CM) Torreira (CM) Ozil (RM) Iwobi (LM)
Mesut Ozil has been Arsenals captain various times this season, the captain is expected to lead the game today with the German midfielder astonishing performances last season.
Forwards: Lacazette (RS) Aubameyang (LS)
Both strikers have formed a dangerous partnership this season. Aubameyang scored 5 goals last month from left wing and should be put up top with Lacazette, to get the best out of the pair today.
With today being Unai Emery’s birthday, there wouldn’t be a better birthday gift than for the manager than to beat Liverpool and end their undefeated season. A win would bring them at 25 points with 1 point behind Liverpool, showing Arsenal is a new side this season who are not only capable of competing for the top 4, but winning the league too.
Alex's Soccer Blog 