Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool: Havertz returns for defining game

Arsenal will be looking to secure a statement victory on Sunday as they welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool to the Emirates.

The Gunners' five-point deficit renders the upcoming bout a must-win at this rather early stage given that it'll be the last chance Mikel Arteta's side have to direcetly take points off the Reds.

The pair shared the spoils at Anfield just before Christmas, with Liverpool then knocking Arsenal out of the FA Cup last month. The stylistic contrast between the two managers should make for another enthralling encounter this weekend, with Arteta aiming to oversee a third-straight Premier League victory since the winter break.

Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool

Here's how the Gunners could line up against the Reds on Sunday.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - Raya put together his best month of football in an Arsenal shirt in January - even if he did start just two games. He'll be expected to be busy on Sunday against a rampant Liverpool frontline.

Ben White (RB) - The Dubai reset certainly did White some good. The right-back has looked more like his usual self in Arsenal's previous two outings.

William Saliba (CB) - Saliba enjoyed the duel with Darwin Nunez last time out, and the pair are set to do battle once again on Sunday.

Gabriel (CB) - The reigning Player of the Month is a guarantee to start at the Emirates.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) - Zinchenko's been a prominent figure for the Gunners in recent outings, although he did struggle on his last appearance against the Reds.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (DM) - With Thomas Partey still out of action, Rice will have to hold down the fort at the base of Arsenal's midfield. He was paired alongside Jorginho in Arsenal's most recent meeting against Klopp's men.

Martin Odegaard (CM) - Odegaard has played multiple roles against Liverpool in their outings this term, so it'll be interesting to see which function he performs on Sunday.

Kai Havertz (CM) - Havertz produced an impactful cameo in midweek and I suspect Arteta will include him from the outset this weekend.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - Saka's performance at the City Ground should encourage supporters ahead of Sunday's game where an in-form Joe Gomez will likely await despite Andy Robertson's return.

Gabriel Jesus (ST) - Jesus played a key role in Arsenal's win over Liverpool last season. A similar impact wouldn't go amiss this weekend, although he'll have to be at his crafty best to outwit the visitors' stellar centre-back pairing.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) - Martinelli gave the Gunners lift off in this fixture last term, but we're yet to see the very best of the Brazilian in 2023/24 despite his late brace against Crystal Palace.

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