Arsenal vs Liverpool Predicted XI & Tactics: Hoping for a Threepeat

Arsenal head to Anfield for the first of two matches this week.

We’ve had unprecedented luck against Liverpool recently. In our most recent meeting, they came out looking for revenge and we stonewalled them for the most part. Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup at Arsenal clogs the areas of the pitch where they operate the most, and they’re always vulnerable to the counter.

Arsenal actually tend to play well against teams who control possession, especially with a 3-4-3 setup, which they’ll certainly bring back for this game. Expect the wing-backs to play a key role in locking down Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson. Additionally, our central striker will be key, whoever starts. The false-nine role has proven itself useful in terms of regulating Fabinho and spreading out Liverpool’s defensive block.

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But will it be possible to take three out of three at Anfield? Both of our previous matches were in advantageous venues – Wembley is our second home at this point – and the Reds’ home is a bit of a fortress. However, they’ve played better away than they have at home in recent weeks. There’s still hope.

My biggest concern is the rash of injuries currently cropping up. We still don’t have four of our centre-backs available, and while that’s not a massive issue, it’ll be interesting to see who’s healthy by kick-off. More pressing, though, is the potential absence of Kieran Tierney. He’s back in full training, but he’s still a question mark.

On to the predicted starting XI.