Liverpool vs Arsenal: Key Battles That Could Decide the Premier League Clash
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Key Battles That Could Decide the Premier League Clash
By Sports Desk
Anfield will witness one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season as Liverpool host Arsenal in a game that could have huge implications at the top of the Premier League table. Both sides come in with high expectations, but several individual duels could decide who takes the points.
Kerkez Under the Microscope
Liverpool’s new left-back, Milos Kerkez, has had a shaky start to life in the Premier League. He was exposed by Antoine Semenyo on the opening weekend and played a part in Bruno Guimarães’ goal for Newcastle. Arsenal are likely to target him, switching play quickly from the opposite flank into the space behind his positioning.
Where Will Eze Play?
Arsenal are gradually shifting from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 system this season, with the No.10 role becoming more central.
If captain Martin Ødegaard is not fit to start, Eberechi Eze is expected to step in as the playmaker, while Gabriel Martinelli operates on the left wing.
Eze should fit smoothly into Arsenal’s possession game, but he must quickly adapt to the Gunners’ aggressive pressing – much sharper and faster than what he was used to at Crystal Palace.
The Midfield Battle
Liverpool’s new-look midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, will be tested against Arsenal’s powerful duo of Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.
Rice’s ability to break up play and dictate tempo could prove decisive in a game where midfield control will likely determine the outcome.
Salah vs Zinchenko
Mohamed Salah remains Liverpool’s deadliest weapon. He will be eager to exploit the space left behind by Oleksandr Zinchenko, who often drifts inside when Arsenal build attacks.
If Zinchenko is caught too high or too central, Salah could punish the Gunners with his trademark runs and finishing.
Núñez vs Saliba
In attack, Darwin Núñez brings pace and physicality, but he will be up against one of the league’s most composed defenders in William Saliba.
Saliba’s calmness and reading of the game will be crucial in neutralizing Núñez’s unpredictability.
Keys to Victory
Liverpool: Quick transitions, exploiting Arsenal’s full-backs, and using Salah’s direct threat.
Arsenal: Winning midfield battles, maintaining defensive discipline, and targeting Milos Kerkez’s side.
Likely Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Endō; Salah, Núñez, Luis Díaz.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Partey; Saka, Eze (Ødegaard if fit), Martinelli; Havertz.
Prediction
With both sides carrying attacking firepower, this clash is finely balanced. Arsenal’s midfield quality could give them control, but Liverpool’s home advantage at Anfield cannot be ignored.
Predicted Score: Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal
Potential Man of the Match
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): If given space, he could be the difference-maker.
Declan Rice (Arsenal): His presence in midfield could tilt the balance toward the visitors.