Arsenal will look to bounce back from their first loss of the season last week by putting in a big performance against Liverpool at the Emirates.
Injuries have played a big part in the Gunners’ campaign so far, so let’s see how the Arsenal and Liverpool squads are shaping up ahead of this one.
Bukayo Saka picked up an injury while on international duty with England and hasn’t played since, missing Arsenal’s loss against Bournemouth and victory against Shakhtar. Recent reports suggest he could make his return here which will be music to the ears of Mikel Arteta as the player has been sorely missed.
Unfortunately, Riccardo Calafiori was forced off against Shakhtar due to injury and he joins fellow defenders Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu on the absentee list.
William Saliba is suspended following his dismissal against the Cherries.
Here’s how Arsenal lined up against Shakhtar.
Alisson Becker and Harvey Elliott are still out for Arne Slot, while Federico Chiesa is struggling for fitness.
Diogo Jota was withdrawn early against Chelsea and remains a doubt.
Here’s how Liverpool lined up against RB Leipzig.
Leandro Trossard is the most likely player to drop out for Saka.
In defence, Jurrien Timber is perhaps not fully fit but he’ll need to play here at right-back as Ben White deputises for Saliba at centre-back, while Oleksandr Zinchenko should come in at left-back for Calafiori.
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Merino, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Caoimhin Kelleher will again start in goal due to Alisson’s absence.
With Jota not fully fit, Darwin Nunez will start again but he may have been given that opportunity anyway as he scored the winning goal against RB Leipzig midweek.
Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz are battling for that spot down the left wing.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1) Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
