Arsenal are set to face Liverpool in potentially difficult circumstances, as they could be missing several key players.
Captain Martin Odegaard and defender William Saliba are two of Arsenal’s best players, but neither will be in the squad to face Liverpool.
Bukayo Saka, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all did not train after recent injuries, but Mikel Arteta has not ruled them out of contention.
Liverpool are in excellent form, and Arsenal’s absences could make this an incredibly difficult fixture. However, former Manchester United star Gary Neville has now explained why this could be a good game for Arsenal in the context of the Premier League title race.
Gary Neville claims Arsenal can make statement if they beat Liverpool
Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of Leicester City’s clash with Nottingham Forest, Neville stated that an Arsenal win over Liverpool whilst missing their key players would be a true statement of their title credentials.
“They can’t let the noise get into their heads. They have to really think about going out there on Sunday and winning,” Neville stated.
“Can Arsenal afford to see Liverpool seven points clear at 6:30 on Sunday evening? They just can’t.
“That’s not because they can’t get that back over the season, but we’re talking about a team that are trying to make that final step to win the league, and I think if you’ve got three or four players missing this would be the best time for them to go win on Sunday, and the best time to go and shock everybody.
“It would be not a surprise, Arsenal winning but because of the players that are out, there is something building that Liverpool are favourites.
“Go and shock us, go and do something, go and play and basically get within one point of Liverpool, and all of a sudden things change again. That to me is where I think the game is for Arsenal.”
Arsenal win over Liverpool would be significant in the title race
Paul Merson has claimed that a draw would be good for Arsenal, and the key for Arteta’s side is to not lose at home and fall behind their title rivals.
However, if Arsenal can pull off a win without some of their best players against a Liverpool side in incredible form, it will be huge for their title hopes. Not only would they gain ground on the league leaders, but they will silence critics over the strength of their depth.
In ideal circumstances, Arteta would have faced Liverpool with his full squad, but a win with a depleted team would be even more impressive if he can pull it off.
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