Mikel Arteta is preparing for one of the biggest games of Arsenal’s season so far, as Liverpool visit N5.
Liverpool have already warned Arsenal that the champions are coming to town, making the game even more of a must-win for Arteta’s side.
Beating Liverpool would send the Gunners eight points clear at the top of the Premier League table, so no result but a win will suffice.
After the defeat at Anfield earlier in the season, Arsenal will be seeking revenge on Arne Slot’s side, something Arteta knows he can achieve with the help of two players in particular.
This is our predicted Arsenal XI vs Liverpool. What changes would you make to this side?
Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli will tempt Mikel Arteta against Liverpool
Gabriel Magalhaes will fancy his chances against Liverpool, who have one of the worst set-piece defensive records in the Premier League.
It’s not only Arsenal’s high-scoring centre-back whose eyes will light up at Thursday night’s opposition, as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard love facing Liverpool.
There is no team that Martinelli has scored against more in his career than Liverpool, and the same applies to Trossard.
If you were a Liverpool defender, who would you prefer to face and why, Martinelli or Trossard?
The issue is that only one of the left-wing options is likely to start, giving Arteta a selection headache.
It’s a tough decision for Arteta, but one he will relish, as Liverpool will arguably be more wary of the selection the Arsenal manager makes.
Given the two players’ form against Liverpool, the decision looks like it’ll be a difficult one for Arteta, but realistically, there’s only one answer.
Jurgen Klopp always feared Martinelli
Trossard is undroppable at Arsenal right now, having manoeuvred himself into a position that very few expected.
It will surely be another start on the bench for Martinelli on Thursday night, which wouldn’t be a shock for the winger, who has only secured six starts in the Premier League this season.
One figure watching from afar might be surprised to see Martinelli slip down the pecking order, as former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp absolutely loved the Brazilian.
What do YOU think is the main cause of Gabriel Martinelli’s unfulfilled potential?
After Arsenal’s Carabao Cup clash with Liverpool in 2019, Klopp described Martinelli as a ‘talent of the century’, a description that no longer applies to the 24-year-old.
Martinelli’s levels have dropped, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t hurt Liverpool with his pace, something he’s done plenty of times.
Whether the winger starts or comes off the bench, Liverpool will be cautious, with two left-siders in Arsenal’s squad more than capable of hurting them.
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