By Daniel Ghorbal
The two form sides in the country meet for what is an absolutely huge game in the overall picture of the Premier League. Both clubs have excelled in recent months and found themselves in wonderful positions heading into the business end of the season, with Arsenal sitting comfortably in fourth whilst Liverpool being firmly amongst the title race.
Coming just 48 hours after Manchester City’s goalless draw with Crystal Palace, what was a distant possibility two months ago has now become a genuine 2018/19-esque title race, with the reds able to close the gap on their fellow challengers to just 1 point with a victory at the Emirates. Despite that, the current form of Arsenal suggests that this will be far from easy, up against a team playing superbly well. In recent weeks they have been unplayable at times, showing exciting attacking intent via the likes of Odegaard, Saka and Martinelli amongst others. They have really found a fluidity within their ranks and are playing with real confidence, something that many recent versions of Arsenal have struggled to do. With their position in the table having three games in hand on 5th place side Manchester United, they can almost see this as a free-hit and a chance to express themselves against one of the world’s best. Across three meetings with Liverpool this season they have conceded 6 whilst scoring none, however Arteta’s side enjoyed some spells in those games and caused Liverpool problems but ultimately have fallen short, something they will be hoping to rectify this Wednesday.
The atmosphere at the Emirates will almost certainly be electric for this game, and it is imperative that Liverpool do not allow the game to enter a fast paced thriller, similarly to the away games at Chelsea and Tottenham this season. The momentum and energy that Arsenal have at this minute will undoubtedly drag them forward, thus inviting Liverpool to go and hurt them in behind. Across the pitch, Arsenal have been much better this season at playing as a combative unit, where everyone knows their role and does what is best for the team. Martin Odegaard’s recent form encapsulates all that is good about the Gunners, a combination of energy, class and guile. The Norway Captain has matured in his role in midfield and been absolutely immense in their recent victories against Watford, Leicester and Wolves. After the most recent victory Odegaard explained how this current Arsenal team are building something special, and early it is early on In their development as a side, the signs are very promising. Odegaard missed the two League Cup games with Liverpool so not only will his presence give Klopp something to think about, but it is unquestionable that he also brings out the best in Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka too.
With just ten league games remaining now, it would not shock me to see a trend in the majority of Liverpool’s fixtures, going into them with a win at all costs mentality. 8 League wins in a row is the most they have managed since the title winning campaign, and Brighton on the weekend was the perfect example of that. There was nothing scintillating about the display but it was efficient and business-like. Arsenal will thrive on the underdog tag given to them for this encounter, knowing that the steady rise in performance levels can peak with a massive victory against title challengers. One area where they have shown some weakness recently is in the right-back position, where Cedric Soares has sometimes struggled against high calibre opposition. Liverpool’s strength in depth in the minute means that it is impossible for Arteta to know who will start in that left-wing area, with Mane, Diaz and Jota all realistic options. Similarly for the hosts’ central defenders, keeping concentrated on the movement of the forward players will define the outcome of the game. In the 2-0 cup defeat to Liverpool, one goal came from Roberto Firmino dropping off deep and dragging defenders out of positions, whilst another came from an incisive Diogo Jota run across the front. The current crop of attackers that the reds have at their disposal is arguably as strong as ever and if they are playing with chemistry Arsenal will struggle.
This encounter has the potential to be an absolute classic, with the two form sides of the league playing for very important points. Liverpool know that Arsenal will attack the game and the potential for a high-scoring affair is very viable. The Emirates will be rocking.
Predicted team: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Lacazette
