Arsenal is rolling into Anfield this Sunday, and they are absolutely desperate to secure a good result against Liverpool. Mikel Arteta is shaking things up big time, expected to make a bunch of tweaks to his first team after that gut-wrenching penalty loss away at Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup. The Gunners need to bounce back, plain and simple. We’re looking at a 4-2-3-1 formation again, and a few names are set to slot right into the starting XI.
Arteta’s Defensive Tweaks And A Late Fitness Scare
David Raya will be back between the posts for Arsenal, which is a big call after he was rested midweek. This guy is going to be crucial if they want to shut down Liverpool. At the heart of the backline, Gabriel will link up with Ezri Konsa. Their job? Keep those Liverpool attackers frustrated for all 90 minutes. It is a tough ask, but these two have got to lock it down.
Out wide, Ben White is set to hold down the right-back spot, trying to put in a solid performance. On the left, Riccardo Calafiori is looking to get the nod, *if* he can pass a late fitness test. That’s a big “if” for a game like this. Both fullbacks will need to be smart, picking their moments carefully when they decide to push up and join the attack. Cristhian Mosquera is on the bench, ready to step in for the center-backs if needed.
Midfield Doubts And Havertz Leading The Line
In the engine room, Bruno Guimaraes and Declan Rice are set to anchor the midfield. Rice, though, is a slight concern ahead of this massive clash, which is not what you want to hear for a game at Anfield. They’ve gotta win those 50-50 battles in the middle and create some decent chances if the Gunners want any shot.
Just ahead of them, forming part of Arteta’s attack, is the talented trio of Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard, and Noni Madueke. Madueke, like Rice, is also a doubt for this game. If these three actually play, they *have* to be at their absolute best if Arsenal wants to come out on top. Up top, Kai Havertz will spearhead the attack. He needs to find a way to be a real offensive threat in the final third. Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Mikel Merino will all be waiting on the bench for their chance to make an impact in the second half. And if Arsenal is chasing a goal in the final quarter, Viktor Gyokeres might come on to try and influence the game.
This Liverpool game is a massive test for Arsenal, especially after that EFL Cup exit. They need a strong performance on the road to steady the ship and prove they can compete with the best. Can Arteta’s tweaked lineup deliver at Anfield? We’ll find out Sunday.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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