Liverpool predicted line-up vs Arsenal: seven changes made as Reds sweat on Szoboszlai and Munoz fitness
The latest Liverpool team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash against Arsenal
Liverpool will head into Gameweek 9 of the Premier League season in fine spirits, after seeing off Chelsea in the Carabao Cup to book their place in the quarter-finals of the competition with a dramatic win on penalties. The result set up a clash with Bournemouth next month, as the Reds look to win the competition for the tenth time in their history.
Next up, it’s a blockbuster clash at home to reigning champions Arsenal, who could be without some key players for the crunch clash at Anfield. Liverpool, meanwhile, could miss both Dominic Szoboszlai and Victor Munoz, with both players set to undergo late fitness tests to see whether they’re able to play a part in Sunday’s afternoon’s epic encounter.
Liverpool will take great confidence from their fine record against Arsenal at Anfield - the Reds haven’t lost to the north London side on home soil in the Premier League since all the way back in 2012, when goals from Lukasz Podolski and Santi Cazorla saw the Gunners win an early-season clash on Merseyside.
As Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola puts his charges through their final paces ahead of Sunday’s game, this is the most likely XI he’ll field to take on Mikel Arteta’s visiting Arsenal side.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Arsenal: goalkeeper and defence
Liverpool rested one or two regular starters against Chelsea in midweek, which should mean the side are fresh and ready to go this weekend. As is customary with top level Premier League sides in the League Cup, Reds number one Alisson was given the night off. He’ll be back between the sticks on Sunday, replacing his understudy Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Iraola is expected to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation to take on the Gunners. With Jeremie Frimpong injured, Barcelona loanee Ronald Araujo is expected to continue filling in at right-back. On the opposite flank, Konstantinos Tsimikas, who missed his shootout penalty against the Blues, will be replaced by ex-Bournemouth star Milos Kerkez.
Club legend Virgil van Dijk will make his 281st Premier League appearance in defence for the Reds, as he looks to bring up the 300 milestone this season. He’s set to be paired with Jeremy Jacquet, who has excelled in the early stages of his career at Anfield after arriving on a £60m deal from Ligue 1 side Rennes back in early July.
Will Dominic Szoboszlai start against Arsenal?
Szoboszlai looks to be serious doubt for Liverpool’s clash against Arsenal, and is unlikely to be rushed back into the side after coming off against Brentford with a hamstring injury. Ryan Gravenberch could keep his starting spot and replace him, after playing the full ninety minutes in midweek against Chelsea.
Alexis Mac Allister, whose future at Anfield is far from certain as he and the club remain at an impasse over a potential contract extension, looks set to partner the Netherlands international in the heart of midfield. The 27-year-old was a World Cup finalist with Argentina last summer, only to fall at the final hurdle against Spain.
£123m mega summer signing Bradley Barcola will look to cause Arsenal some problems hurtling down the right wing with his trademark demon dribbling, and Cody Gakpo is expected to his reprise his role on the left flank after scoring against Chelsea. Florian Wirtz, who has struggled for form so far this season, will play in his favoured number ten role.
Up top, Alexander Isak will complete the £400m attacking quartet, leading the line after having his minutes managed in midweek. The ex-Newcastle United star suffered an injury-ravaged first campaign at Liverpool, but now looks to be back to his best with six goals in seven Premier League starts so far this season.