Liverpool vs Arsenal

23/12/2023 – 19:30

Liverpool will be aiming for maximum points against Arsenal as they look to sit on top of the table for Christmas.

Over the years, there was a trend that the club that’s sitting on top of the table, on Christmas Day, should go on to win the title. It was a trend, but things have been different in recent years. However, it’s still an opportunity to go top and we have both the top two teams going at it this weekend at the Anfield cauldron.

The hosts are fresh from thumping West Ham 5-1 to secure a semi-final clash with Fulham in the Carabao Cup. But there’s also a strange vibe amongst the so-called Anfield faithful. They still seem upset with the fact, their team couldn’t smash Manchester United over the weekend, and had to settle for a goalless draw. This was due to some stellar defensive work from United. Jurgen Klopp wasn’t too happy with the fans attitude and clearly said that some of them should sell their tickets to others

“We need Anfield on Saturday. Without Anfield, I would say – after they (Arsenal) didn’t play this week, they prepare for this game and anyone who knows a little bit about them, they will be prepared. “So, we need Anfield on their toes from the first second without me having an argument with the opposition coach. We need you from the first second. “If you really want, if it’s too much football in December, I don’t know. Sorry we must play it as well. But if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.”

The Gunners reclaimed top spot last weekend after cruising past the Seagulls with an impressive display. Following Liverpool’s frustrating draw with the Red Devils on Merseyside, it led to Arsenal having a one-point gap at the summit heading into the weekend’s clash. Mikel Arteta’s team came close to triumphing at Anfield last season, but they were pegged back after taking a 2- 0 lead which hindered their title dream. This dream stems right back to 2004 when they last lifted the trophy.

It’s been over a decade since Arsenal last won at Anfield, but many are confident that this could finally be their time. The Gunners aren’t immortal, but they’ve so often appeared measured and controlled this season. This trip will come too soon for Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny but Jorginho may return to the Arsenal squad. Arteta could be unchanged or tinker with his team by introducing Leandro Trossard for some added pace and flair over Kai Havertz’s physicality and clinical finishing in midfield.

 Neither Ryan Gravenberch nor Alexis Mac Allister was fit to be part of Liverpool’s squad on Wednesday night due to injuries, and they still are major doubts this weekend. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will all return to the XI, but Darwin Nunez faces a fight to keep his place up against Cody Gakpo.

Both teams will come out firing from their blocks with the similar style of play and approach. There will be spaces and there will be chances, but it is still so difficult to call. Entertainment will be guaranteed, especially for the neutrals.