Arsenal vs Liverpool: Predicted Starting XI & Tactics

Front Three

This was the hardest ask of all of the predictions. Well, one of the positions was.

On the left-wing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will get the nod. Was there ever any doubt? Our Gabonese talisman was the sole provider of most of the key goals last season. With a few weeks off under his belt, he’ll be fresh as a daisy and ready to tear it up.

Up front, Alexandre Lacazette will take precedence over Eddie Nketiah, and like the FA Cup Final, his off-the-ball presence will be key. Expect him to drop deep in a false-nine role, stunting Fabinho’s effectiveness on the game, and linking the midfield with the attack when Arsenal look to counter. This game will also be an excellent jumping off point in his fight to retain his place in the starting XI.

And now for the hard one. Arsenal have the choice of three incredibly skilled right-wingers, and each has quite a bit going for them. Reiss Nelson was the hero of our last game against Liverpool, feeding Lacazette for the first goal, and nabbing the second for himself. Nicolas Pepe provided key assists against a number of big opponents.

But it’s new signing Willian who will get the start. Mikel Arteta will turn to his veteran, with experience and a determined defensive work rate to fill in the gaps on the right side. Arsenal right-wingers seem to give Virgil van Dijk a serious headache, let’s hope the Brazilian can continue the trend.

With that starting XI, we have a serious opportunity to start the season off in magical fashion. Now all we have to do is wait, watch, and pray.