JUST nine games to go until Arsenal are at the finish line – but the Gunners come up against their biggest hurdle so far TODAY against Liverpool.
The Premier League title is tantalisingly close to returning to the Emirates.
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But each of those nine games feels like a mountain to climb for Arsenal fans who are experiencing some serious squeaky bum time.
And a trip to Anfield is among the biggest challenges you can face – or at least it usually is.
But this is Liverpool during the 2022-23 season. Jurgen Klopp’s side could conceivably win OR lose the match 5-0 and neither result would be all that shocking.
The only thing predictable about Liverpool is their unpredictability.
Beat Man Utd 7-0 one week, lose to Bournemouth the next. Beat Bournemouth 9-0, lose at home to Leeds.
That’s what makes Sunday’s game all the more super – we just don’t know what we’ll get.
Since that incredible victory over United, Liverpool are winless. Yet despite that terrible form the top four is not totally out of reach.
It arguably would be if they lose to Arsenal – which means the Reds have to give it everything in front of the Kop.
Everyone knows what’s on the line for the Gunners, it’s now just a question of whether they can get over this latest hurdle.
How high and difficult that hurdle is will only come clear as the game unfolds.
What is their form like?
Since beating Manchester United 7-0 at Anfield at the start of March, Liverpool are without a win.
Losses to Bournemouth and Man City in the league and Real Madrid in the Champions League followed.
Their most recent outing was a little more promising – a 0-0 draw away at Chelsea.
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In contrast, Arsenal haven’t lost since mid-February when they were beaten by title rivals Man City.
It’s seen them win their last seven Premier League matches in a row – with 4-1 wins in their two most recent games against Crystal Palace and Leeds.
Those results have put them eight points clear of Man City (before their rivals play Southampton on Saturday).
When the sides met at the Emirates, the Gunners prevailed 3-2.
Who will be the star men?
The floodgates opened against Man Utd, and promptly slammed shut again.
Just one goal in their last four outings is an abysmal return for Liverpool, which is why star striker Mohamed Salah will be key if they are to get a result against Arsenal.
The Egyptian has looked lively in recent weeks and has 12 league goals to his name as well as seven assists.
The the Gunners, it’s hard to look beyond Bukayo Saka.
However, the return of Gabriel Jesus can’t be understated.
Following a lengthy injury, the Brazilian came off the bench against Fulham and Crystal Palace before getting his first league start last weekend.
It saw him bag two goals against Leeds and signal he’s well and truly back to help push Arsenal over the line.
What have the managers said?
Jurgen Klopp on his side’s form: “We will give it a proper try and we will need Anfield. Let’s go for it.
“I don’t know exactly what you can say about us at the moment, so that shows the situation. It’s still Anfield, we’re at home and we still have to show a reaction and an improvement.”
Klopp on Arsenal: “They are a different team. Mikel has been building for a few years now and the outcome is pretty impressive. Really good football, top players and good match plans.
“It’s a mix of really good football and extreme emotions. It is a good way to play. I know people ask for time for managers but I really think Mikel deserved each minute he got there when things weren’t going well.
“The team is very well set up, good transfers on top of that but a really stable team. That’s what they’re using now.”
Arteta on Klopp and their altercation at Anfield last season: “That’s football. We hug each other and move on. I have full respect and admiration for what they have done. I reacted that day to defend our players and that is it. I have full respect for him and the coaching staff at Liverpool. I reacted that day, I don’t like seeing me like that.”
Arteta on Liverpool: “It shows the difficulty at being at the top and how difficult it is to maintain standards. We all have difficult moments but what they have done over the past few years is remarkable. At home they are a different team, we are prepared and are expecting the best possible Liverpool.”
SunSport prediction
Based on their form going into this – it looks like one winner.
But then with Liverpool you just don’t know, which leaves us sitting on the fence.
Predicted score: Liverpool 2 Arsenal 2
When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?
- Liverpool vs Arsenal will take place TODAY – Sunday, April 9.
- Kick off is at 4:30pm UK time.
- Anfield will play host.
What channel is Liverpool vs Arsenal on?
- Liverpool vs Arsenal will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
- Coverage will be from 4pm UK time.
- Alternatively, you can keep up with all the action from Anfield by following SunSport’s live blog.
Can Liverpool vs Arsenal be live streamed?
- Sky Sports subscribers can live stream Liverpool vs Arsenal on NOW.
- You can purchase a sports NOW pass for £21 per month for six months and at the end of the six months the price will increase to £34.99
- A sports NOW pass will give you access to all eleven Sky Sports channels.
Team News
For Liverpool, Virgil van Dijk missed their midweek fixture against Chelsea with illness but is expected to be back.
Luis Diaz is still out, along with Naby Keita.
Regulars Mohammed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Andrew Robertson and Cody Gakpo all started on the bench in midweek and will be pushing for starts.
Thiago could also be in contention having returned to training.
Arsenal are set to be without centre-back William Saliba as he continues to struggle with a back injury.
But Bukayo Saka is back after illness and being benched against Leeds.
Eddie Nketiah is currently going through his rehab process as he recovers from an ankle injury.
While Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu are out long-term for the Gunners.
Odds
- Liverpool – 33/20
- Draw – 5/2
- Arsenal – 6/4
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication.
