Liverpool have picked up right where they left off last season, but not without a bit of drama. SoftFootball understands that Arne Slot’s men are still finding the right balance between flair and control, having twice blown a 2-0 lead before rallying late to grab wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle.
The champions know they can’t afford to let Arsenal hang around the way they let their first two opponents back into the game, especially with Anfield buzzing for a clash of this magnitude. A goal for Liverpool would also see them set a new club record by scoring in 37 straight league matches, a milestone the Kop will be desperate to witness.
With Cody Gakpo thriving at Anfield and Mohamed Salah always a threat in big games, Liverpool have the firepower to trouble anyone. But without Jeremie Frimpong, Slot will need to reshuffle his defense against an Arsenal side that punishes mistakes. Liverpool will be banking on their home form and the Anfield atmosphere to tilt the game in their favor, as they look to underline why they are still the team to beat in England.
Confirmed Liverppol XI to face Arsenal released via the club’s official X handle;
Arsenal arrive at Anfield looking like a team on a mission. Back-to-back clean-sheet wins over Manchester United and Leeds have already set the tone for another title push, SoftFootball understands that Mikel Arteta is desperate for his side to prove they can win the biggest away games, starting here.
Victory would see Arsenal win their first three league games of a season for just the second time in two decades, and if they manage another clean sheet, it would be their best defensive start since the 1920s. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
The problem for Arteta is the growing injury list. Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Ødegaard both limped off against Leeds, joining Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz on the injury list. That puts more pressure on new signing Eberechi Eze, Arsenal are determined to show their resilience despite the setbacks, and if they go into Anfield and get a huge win, the rest of the league will know they mean business.
Confirmed Arsenal XI to face Liverpool via the club’s official X handle;
