Arsenal will hope to silence their critics as they face Liverpool in a huge test of their Premier League title credentials.
Mikel Arteta’s side fell to their first defeat of the season against Bournemouth in their last league outing, before failing to impress despite beating Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.
Arsenal are also facing some selection dilemmas amid an injury crisis, which will surely hurt their chances of beating Liverpool, who are currently top of the Premier League.
Arsenal team and injury news ahead of Liverpool
Defender Riccardo Calafiori was withdrawn against Shakhtar after picking up an injury during an unfortunate slip. Calafiori will miss the Liverpool game, but his injury is not thought to be serious.
William Saliba is suspended after his red card against Bournemouth, with Arsenal choosing not to appeal the decision.
Martin Odegaard is still absent, despite Norway manager Stale Solbakken expressing his hope for the Arsenal captain to feature for his country next month.
Arsenal have been handed a boost over Bukayo Saka. Both the winger and Jurrien Timber are still doubts, with the pair missing the last two games, but indications are that Saka could recover in time to play.
Oleksandr Zinchenko to start vs Liverpool?
Oleksandr Zinchenko has not featured since August, but he may be forced to return to the starting XI given other absences, with Takehiro Tomiyasu also injured.
Jakub Kiwior is an option at left-back, but the Poland international hardly covered himself in glory against Bournemouth as Kiwior was at fault for the penalty which led to the second goal.
Zinchenko’s experience could come in crucial, even if the prospect of the Ukrainian going up against Mohamed Salah is a daunting one, and Arteta may turn to his older heads to help Arsenal keep their composure against Liverpool.
Arsenal predicted XI vs Liverpool
Arsenal need to get back to winning ways in the Premier League, but their injury doubts could determine how successful they are against Liverpool.
If Saka and Timber are both passed fit, it will greatly strengthen Arsenal’s chances of victory, and if there is any chance either player can make the game, Arteta will surely start them.
Despite back-to-back poor displays, Arteta appears set to stick with Leandro Trossard in midfield, as young sensation Ethan Nwaneri is yet to start in the league.
Arsenal predicted lineup to face Liverpool: David Raya; Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Magalhaes, Oleksandr Zinchenko; Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard; Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli.
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