MUST READ 🔥 Klopp recalls £39m man to deal with ‘influential’ Gunner he loves: Early predicted Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal

Here’s our early predicted Liverpool lineup v Arsenal on Sunday. The Reds will look to carry on some momentum.

 

Liverpool’s attention quickly turns to Arsenal after their 2-0 win over Rangers last night. It was an excellent performance from the Reds, too, who controlled the game and should have won by more. Only an inspired Alan McGregor display kept the scoreline respectable.

 

Arsenal, though, will be an entirely different animal. They’re at the top of the Premier League, winning consistently and showing off their best team in years. Liverpool sit 11 points back and a defeat here would be disastrous.

 

One massive decision must be made. Jurgen Klopp switched to a 4-4-2 against Rangers and while it worked very well, Liverpool haven’t been working on it for very long. It’s a very attacking system that would be a big risk against Arsenal.

 

That’s why we think he’ll revert to the 4-3-3. Liverpool have struggled to control games with that system but Arsenal won’t sit back at the Emirates and look to counter-attack. That should make all the difference.

Early predicted Liverpool lineup v Arsenal

Defence

Alisson Becker will start in goal, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kostas Tsimikas playing the full-backs roles. Along with Virgil van Dijk at centre-back, they all seem set.

The other centre-back is a coin-flip. Joel Matip played the entire 90 minutes against Rangers and Klopp may fancy resting him. Joe Gomez could come in but his performance against Napoli doesn’t fill us with confidence.

 

We’ll take a guess on Ibrahima Konaté starting against a pacey Arsenal attack. Yes, he’s short on games but we think Klopp will back him.

 

Midfield

So here’s where we see change happening. Liverpool looked great with a flat midfield two against Rangers but Arsenal’s use of a no.10 will surely bring Fabinho in for a midfield three.

 

Klopp is a massive fan of Martin Odegaard, viewing him as a ‘top player’. He recently told that to TV2, in fact.

“[Odegaard] plays a massive role in an incredibly strong Arsenal team,” said Klopp. “He’s still young, clear in his head, very influential. I honestly can’t say anything negative about him. Really a top player.”

 

Odegaard looks to play between the lines and Liverpool will surely use a holding midfielder to counter that. Jordan Henderson and Thiago will retain their places but likely with extra help.

 

Attack

Roberto Firmino was the only forward who didn’t start against Rangers. His fine record against Arsenal – and wonderful form overall – surely gets him the centre-forward role here.

 

Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz are then the obvious choices on the flanks. Back to three-up-top, then, and this is the best selection as we see it.