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Preview: Liverpool v Arsenal, duo return, Ox dropped + predicted score

By on August 26, 2017

Laurent-Koscielny arsenal

Arsenal head to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday afternoon looking to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat at Stoke City.

We totally dominated possession at the Britannia Stadium, created plenty of chances and should have had two penalties but a sloppy pass from Granit Xhaka was the defining moment as we slipped to a disappointing 1-0 loss.

It’s always important to immediately get some points on the board following such a frustrating result but I must admit I’m nervous about this trip to Anfield.

While Arsenal have the potential to be potent in attack, this Liverpool side are bursting with pace and energy going forward so I fear for our fragile defence and midfield tomorrow.

Jurgen Klopp’s men have picked up four points from their opening two games but most importantly for them they booked their place in the group stages of the Champions League in midweek [and then got a fortunate draw yesterday].

Hopefully they are still feeling the effects of Wednesday night’s game with Hoffenheim as that energy-sapping match could give us some opportunities in the second half.

Team News

Sanchez is back in contention after recovering from an abdominal injury so he should come back in to the starting eleven with Welbeck the man most likely to make way.

However, the most important player returning tomorrow is Koscielny as our skipper is back from his ban and his presence in defence could prove vital.

Speculation in the papers today suggests that Oxlade-Chamberlain is pushing for a move to either Liverpool or Chelsea so I don’t see how he can feature tomorrow.

Therefore, we should see Kolasinac moving to the left wing-back position with Bellerin moving across to his natural spot on the right.

As for Liverpool, they’ll continue to be without Coutinho due to a ‘back’ injury but Can and Alexander-Arnold are expected to be passed fit.

Wijnaldum will also be available despite returning to Holland for the birth of his third child but Lallana and Clyne remain out through injury.

Preferred line-up

Liverpool’s expected XI: Mignolet, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Matip, Moreno, Henderson, Can, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah, Firmino.

Prediction

If we defend like we have done in our first two games, then we’ll concede at least three or four goals tomorrow. We have a soft centre and Liverpool have the capability to exploit that with their dangerous attack. However, they also have a poor defence so we need to ensure we stamp our authority on the game too.

If we can keep things tight at the back and hold our own in midfield then we have the potential to cause them plenty of problems going forward. But I’m expecting goals in this one and think it’s going to end all square. Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal