Liverpool and Arsenal come face to face for the third August in a row with fans likely to expect a goalfest after four or more goals were scored in each of the last four clashes between the sides at Anfield. Liverpool will be looking to take their run of wins over the Gunners to three in a row for the first time since 1998 when the two sides clash on Sunday afternoon.
Recent form
Liverpool have been improving with every game as they built on their opening day draw with Watford. They’ve since followed that up with two wins over Hoffenheim in their Champions League qualifier, the second being particularly impressive at Anfield on Wednesday night, either side of a narrow victory over Crystal Palace with a weakened team.
Arsenal on the other hand, have been gradually getting worse. They narrowly beat Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley before requiring a late comeback in order to beat Leicester City at the Emirates on the opening day. Then, they faced bogey team Stoke City and were beaten by the Potters in their last fixture.
Likely line-ups
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Jurgen Klopp is likely to stick with the same line-up which won in midweek, though Andrew Robertson may be pushing Alberto Moreno for a start at left-back.
Arsene Wenger has decisions to make and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s uncertainty over his future is unlikely to do him any favours. The return of Alexis Sanchez could cost Danny Welbeck his place with Wenger unlikely to drop Mesut Ozil despite his poor form.
Team news
Philippe Coutinho once again looks unlikely to be available for selection for Liverpool, with Nathaniel Clyne also sidelined with no set data for the return of either player. Adam Lallana is a long term absentee and won’t be available until mid-way through the campaign with a thigh problem.
Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Alexis Sanchez will be available for the trip to Anfield after completing his own, shortened pre-season. The only other absentees for Arsenal are likely to be Santi Cazorla and Mathieu Debuchy, with neither player expected back imminently.
Match prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
Liverpool’s confidence will be sky high whilst Arsenal’s is anything but. The attacking prowess of Liverpool should be enough to see them through against the Gunners who have been poor defensively this season, but don’t expect them to keep a clean sheet.