Arsenal’s league campaign is running on life support. They sit nine points outside the Champions League spots with nine matches to play. They’ll need a miracle to qualify for the Champions League through the top four. That miracle has to begin with a victory over Liverpool this weekend.
Liverpool’s tailspin sees them sit five points outside the top four. They are desperate to emerge from this downturn and they’ll need to beat Arsenal to begin their revival.
Team News
Arsenal could have a fully healthy squad or they could be missing some crucial players. Both Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe face late fitness tests, according to PremierInjuries.com. The fitness of those two could go a long way to determining their chances of victory over Liverpool.
Injuries are the story of Liverpool’s season and Saturday’s game will be no different. Virgil Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson are all out, while Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Caoimhin Kelleher are all doubts, according to PremierInjuries.com.
Key Players
Arsenal: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Aubameyang has an extremely poor first half of the season but has had some big performances since the turn of the year. He bagged a hat-trick against Leeds and a brace against Newcastle. He has still lacked consistency, but if he can have one of those big wins he could win Arsenal the game.
Liverpool: Mohamed Salah
Salah’s team has struggled, but his production is still quite good. He has 11 non-penalty goals this season, tied for fifth in the league. That’s a strong return, considering Liverpool’s injuries have limited their attack. He’s probably slightly past his peak, but Salah is still a world class goalscorer that can win Liverpool any match.
Prediction
Liverpool has fallen off a cliff and is without a lot of important players. However, they still have enough talent to be favourites here. This is closer to a toss-up than it has been in recent history
