Arsenal vs Liverpool Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Arsenal play host to Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday evening in what could prove to be a vital clash at the top of the table.

The Gunners head into the weekend action sitting two points clear of third placed Liverpool so can put a huge dent in the visitors title aspirations with a win. However, Brendan Rodgers’ side can really make a statement of intent if they come away with the three points, so it’s all to play for.

Arsene Wenger’s side haven’t tasted defeat in the league since their opening day loss to Aston Villa but have suffered back-to-back defeats at home to Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea in recent weeks so will be looking to get back to winning ways tomorrow.

Liverpool have also lost just once so far this season and head into the game in good form having collected 10 points from their last 12, including a 4-1 win over West Brom last Saturday with Luis Suarez helping himself to a hat-trick.

The Uruguayan was strongly linked with a move to north London in the summer so all eyes will be on the striker this weekend.

Team News

Arsenal will have to do without the services of midfielder Mathieu Flamini after he was ruled out with a groin injury suffered last week against Crystal Palace. Mikel Arteta will step in for the Frenchman having served a one-match ban following his sending off at Selhurst Park.

Serge Gnabry remains out with an ankle injury and the game will come too soon for winger Theo Walcott, who could return from an abdominal injury against Manchester United next weekend.

Lukas Podolski, Abou Diaby, Yaya Sanogo and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all still out.

Liverpool have received a major boost with the news that attacker Philippe Coutinho is back in the squad tomorrow. The Brazilian hasn’t featured since picking up a shoulder injury against Swansea back in September but is in line to start at the Emirates.

Left-back Jose Enrique is still a doubt though as he continues to struggle with a knee problem, while Iago Aspas and Sebastian Coates remain on the sidelines. Daniel Agger is pushing for a recall after being consigned to the bench in recent weeks, but Rodgers may stick with Toure, Skrtel and Sakho at the back.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Luis Suarez: The controversial Uruguayan has been in scintillating form of late and he’ll certainly be the one Arsenal have to pay close attention to tomorrow.

Predicted Score

Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool: This is likely to be a closely-fought game with neither side wanting to give too much away, so I can see it ending in a stalemate.

What would be your preferred team for the game and what’s your score prediction? Share your thoughts below.