Liverpool and Arsenal collide in the first Premier League title showdown of the season this weekend.
Last season’s champions meet the runners up at Anfield on Sunday afternoon with both sides boasting perfect records two games into the new campaign.
Arsenal laboured somewhat on the opening weekend against Manchester United but still left Old Trafford with three points. They showed their teeth at home to Leeds United on Saturday with Viktor Gyokeres scoring his first goals for the club in that 5-0 thrashing.
It came at a cost however with Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka forced off injured. The Gunners are set to be without Saka for four weeks as a result of the hamstring injury he picked up with the issue not as bad as first feared.
Arsenal’s concerns were also eased over Odegaard after he was included in Norway’s squad for upcoming matches.
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Mikel Arteta will provide a further update on his captain when he speaks to the press on Friday and will be hopeful of having him available for the trip to Merseyside.
The absence of Saka will lead to a reshuffle in attack with Noni Madueke, who impressed against Leeds, in line to shift over to his preferred role on the right.
Eberechi Eze meanwhile trained with is new teammates for the first time this week and given injuries elsewhere, could come straight into the side with Arsenal fans desperate to see the man they clawed away from Tottenham in action for the first time.
Kai Havertz is another on the injured list, sidelined with a knee problem that may require surgery. He will sit out of the trip to Anfield and Germany’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers and will undergo further tests before a decision is made.
Liverpool came through a bruising night at St James’ Park with three points with Hugo Ekitike on target again in the dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
Alexis Mac Allister missed that win on Tyneside with Curtis Jones filling in alongside Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Arne Slot is hopeful the Argentina international will be available again this weekend, however.
The Reds boss has a decision to make at right-back with Jeremie Frimpong ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Dominik Szoboszlai dropped into that unfamiliar role against Newcastle and turned in a fine performance but the availability of Conor Bradley again could see Slot opt for a more natural option.
15-year-old Max Dowman and 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha will be hopeful of having some involvement.
Liverpool XI to face Arsenal – Metro prediction
The dilemma at right-back is Slot’s biggest decision to make ahead of the weekend. Mac Allister will be expected to return to midfield if deemed fit enough this week.
Arsenal XI to face Liverpool – Metro prediction
Much will depend on whether Odegaard is passed fit but confirmation of Saka’s absence will prompt a reshuffle in attack.
Liverpool vs Arsenal TV channel and kick-off time
Liverpool vs Arsenal takes place on Sunday 31 August with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm.
You can watch the match live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event with streaming also available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV for subscribers.
You can also follow all the action with Metro’s LIVE match day blog.
