Predicted Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: One change from NLD

A bouyant Arsenal play host to Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday as they seek to preserve their status at the top of the table.

The Reds have dominated the head-to-head match-up since Jurgen Klopp arrived on Merseyside, but their struggles at the start of the new season has many backing a home victory this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are playing with a serious swagger right now, and they continued their winning momentum in the week as they beat FK Bodø/Glimt on Thursday night 3-0.

Arteta heavily rotated his side for the victory in the week, with just three players retaining their places from the North London derby triumph. With no fresh injury concerns, the Arsenal boss should select a similar starting XI (from the NLD) for the upcoming Premier League bout.

Predicted Arsenal XI vs Liverpool

The Gunners have another chance to send a major statement out to the rest of the division this weekend, and here’s the side we think Arteta will pick for Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – Ramsdale’s fit, so he’ll start against Liverpool.

Ben White (RB) – White earned a cameo off the bench in midweek amid an impressive Takehiro Tomiyasu performance. His status as Arteta’s starting right-back currently isn’t in doubt, however.

William Saliba (CB) – The talk of the town. Saliba produced yet another dominant display in the North London derby last weekend and will be tasked with preventing Diogo Jota from scoring against the Gunners for the 675th time on Sunday.

Gabriel (CB) – Like Saliba, The Brazilian has played every Premier League minute so far this season and that’s expected to continue on Sunday despite him earning 90 minutes on Thursday.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – Oleksandr Zinchenko is the only fresh injury doubt heading into Sunday. Even if the Ukrainian is fit, however, Arteta should opt for Tierney at left-back. The Scottish international has rediscovered his most potent form and is better equipped to deal with Mo Salah’s threat.

Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – Partey’s importance to the Gunners was on full display in the derby, and he’s ready to go again against the Reds on Sunday.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – Xhaka certainly wasn’t at his best against Bodø/Glimt, but he’s a sure bet to continue in Arteta’s starting XI on Sunday. This writer’s even added the Swiss midfielder to his FPL side!

Martin Odegaard (CM) – Klopp was full of praise for Odegaard on Friday and the German boss will have a chance to enjoy the Norweigian’s creative brilliance first-hand this weekend.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – Saka’s slowly finding his feet this season and his showing last Saturday was probably his best of the campaign thus far. He’ll be up against Kostas Tsimikas on Sunday with Andy Robertson missing.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) – Arteta gave Jesus a run out on Thursday and the Brazilian teed up Fabio Vieira for his first Arsenal goal after befuddling the Bodø/Glimt defence with his dazzling samba feet. Jesus has arguably been the star of the Gunners’ season thus far, and he’ll fancy his chances against Liverpool’s high defensive line.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – Martinelli’s upcoming duel with Trent Alexander-Arnold is highly anticipated with many expecting the Arsenal man to come out on top. The Brazilian will have to be diligent in the defensive phase to ensure the Liverpool right-back doesn’t wreak havoc from a playmaking perspective.