Arsenal vs Liverpool Predicted Starters

Arsenal face their first tough test in awhile when they travel to Anfield to face Liverpool. Injuries will have a huge role to play. Here are the predicted starters.

Sitting top of the table, every single game has increased significance. Pundits galore are pointing out that this is Arsenal’s best chance to win the title in years and it may be their best chance for quite some time to come. That being the case, it is imperative to put their best foot forward every time they take the pitch.

Related Story: Arsenal vs Liverpool: 3 Things To Watch For

Thanks to the Sunderland FA Cup showdown over the weekend, Arsenal was able to give some crucial pieces a rest and that will give them fresh legs. It could potentially disrupt their form, but let’s just hope that doesn’t happen.

Without further ado, here is what the starting XI will look like:

Defense

The defense is right at where it should be. They have only surrendered two goals in their past four games. Some of that falls to Cech but the majority of it comes down to the defense stepping their game up and not letting the opposition in for cherry-picking opportunities.

With Debuchy out of the picture, one of the primary injury concerns is keeping Bellerin healthy. He may be young, but he has been playing in every single game and that can be hazardous.

In the center of the pitch, let’s hope Mertesacker can step his game up a bit because after a few brilliant outings, he has had a bit of a lapse. Maybe the extended layoff helped rejuvenate the Germans weary legs.

Midfield

The trifecta of Ozil, Ramsey and Flamini all got some form of rest. Ramsey came on as a sub against Sunderland and looked superb. He was absolutely honed in. Let’s hope that can continue against Liverpool.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park

Ozil got the complete match off when Arsenal faced Sunderland. No one needed it more than him. He was having to skip training so as to keep himself fit and healthy. The only concern is if it could have disrupted his form. It would not be surprising to find out that Ozil is immune to those sorts of interruptions.

Flamini has been a bit of an unsung hero through it all. He has had to fill in for Francis Coquelin – a task that no one was giving him a chance at succeeding at. But he has helped us bridge the gap while Le Coq is gone and for that he deserves massive credit.

Attack

Olivier Giroud is the one man on this Arsenal team that is in dire need of a break, but there is not going to be one. He has become such a crucial piece of this offense and there is no one behind him that can give him a rest.

Joel Campbell has been winning the praises of Arsene Wenger, as Le Prof has spoken at length about how Campbell could be considered a savior of Arsenal’s season. He has done much the same thing as Flamini. Campbell was called into action to cover for Alexis and he has been superb.

Next: 5 Reasons Arsenal Should Not Sell Mikel Arteta

Theo Walcott could use a goal. Since moving away from the striker role, they have not been easy to come by. However, he is finding out more about his abilities by being moved around the formation.