Arsenal vs Liverpool FC match preview
The English Premier League returns this weekend with many exciting fixtures. The pick of the bunch will take place at the Emirates Stadium where Arsene Wenger's Arsenal will host Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool on Sunday. Wenger recently said the league was like a "world championship of managers" and these two bosses certainly fit within that description. Both men will be trying to mastermind an opening win to get their teams off to a flying start.
Arsenal have a strong recent history against their Merseyside opponents, having only lost one time in their previous nine premier outings against Liverpool. The Reds have claimed just one victory from their last twenty trips to Arsenal in all competitions and have only taken eight points from the last ten league visits to the Emirates. The bookies fancy that form to continue, with The Gunners favourites to win the tie. Last season saw the two teams draw twice however, 3-3 at Anfield and 0-0 in London.
Arsenal have been strong in pre-season, winning four times, drawing once and scoring an impressive 17 goals. Their last game ended with a 3-2 win over Manchester City. Liverpool's pre-season has been more of a rollercoaster with six wins and three defeats from their last nine friendlies. Last weekend saw them demolish Barcelona 4-0 at Wembley Stadium on the Saturday only to combust in a 4-0 defeat to FSV Mainz the next day. If Sunday's fixture follows pre-season form, then the tie should be full of goals and exciting football.
Team news shows both sides are having a bit of an injury crisis. Arsenal are very light in the centre of defence with Gabriel Paulista suffering an ankle ligament injury, Per Mertesacker already sidelined with a knee problem and Laurent Koscielny not yet fully fit after his Euro 2016 exploits. Wenger is likely to take advantage of Nacho Monreal's flexibilty to provide cover alongside Rob Holding or Calum Chambers. Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud are also not fully fit and are expected to start on the bench. £35 million new signing Granit Xhaka will make his debut in midfield after signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer. Much will be expected from the young, Swiss playmaker after a confident Euro 2016 in France.
Liverpool will definitely be without Mamadou Sakho, Loris Karius, Joe Gomez and Lucas Leiva, with James Milner also a doubt at left-back. Klopp will pick between new centre-backs Joel Matip and Ragnar Klaven to partner Dejan Lovren in defence. Expect summer signing Sadio Mane to provide some pace and excitement in attack in his first start for The Reds. With Daniel Sturridge struggling with fitness, Klopp will look to Roberto Firminio or Divock Origi to lead the line.
There have been sixteen injury time goals in this tie over the years - the most for any Premier League fixture. Expect some fireworks and some thrilling football. While Arsenal are the favourites, Liverpool could seize the opportunity to state their intentions for the new season. Jurgen Klopp now has a side of his own design and will really be looking to drive his players forward. Arsenal mounted a late surge last season to steal second spot from local rivals Tottenham. This campaign supporters will be looking for Wenger's team to go one further and win the division.
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