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

Arsenal, Kieran Tierney (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arsenal, Kieran Tierney (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Centre-Backs

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: David Luiz of Arsenal blocks a cross during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 07: David Luiz of Arsenal blocks a cross during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and West Ham United at Emirates Stadium on March 07, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Over three sets of match predictions, I’m batting 1000 in centre-back predictions. That might stop now though, because I don’t think Kieran Tierney will start there.

David Luiz has returned to the lineup and got to stretch his legs in the midweek. He’s such a staple in Arteta’s defensive setup, especially because of his stellar distribution, and now that we have a stable left-footed option, he can resume his role in the center. On the off-chance that Tierney starts at the base, he’ll move out to the right in lieu of Rob Holding.

Related Story. Is There Anything Kieran Tierney Can't Do?. light

However, considering Holding’s personal vendetta against Sadio Mane, and his habit of locking the Senegalese down, I think the Englishman will retain his starting berth. He’s been stalwart in the back so far this season, long may it continue.

And of course, the third centre-back will be Gabriel Magalhaes. The man with the best passing numbers in the entire freaking league, and a serious revelation to boot. Man’s an animal, hard stop. Roberto Firmino’s going to be ruing the day his countryman was born.