Arsenal are aiming to launch themselves into the top half of the table on Monday evening, as they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium.
- Kick-off: 20:00 Monday 24th August (BST)
- Venue: Emirates Stadium
- Last Season Result: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool
The Gunners have suffered a tricky start to their 2015/16 campaign, and a win over their Merseyside rivals would certainly help fade the memories of that opening day defeat.
Arsene Wenger’s side are currently stuck on three points following a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, which saw goals from Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.
And things are only improving in the camp at London Colney, with a recent pre-match conference from the Gunners boss confirming that there were no fresh injuries to deal with.
Liverpool on the other hand are waiting in suspense over the fitness of captain, Jordan Henderson, after the midfielder was brought off with a thigh injury in their recent 1-0 win over Bournemouth.
Brendan Rodgers side are cruising at the top of the table with two opening victories under their belts, but have failed to look overly convincing whilst out on the pitch.
And that’s something the Gunners will be looking to exploit on Monday night, as they look to continue their successes over the Merseyside club, following that impressive 4-1 punishment from last season.
Key Men
Arsenal: Per Mertesacker
You might be wondering why Mertesacker has been chosen as a ‘key man’, but the former Germany international is certain to have a busy evening.
The 30-year-old will have the likes of Martin Skrtel and Christian Benteke to cope with in the air, two players who will be at their biggest threat during set pieces.
Mertesacker needs to show us why he deserves to be in the side every week, he is bound to make mistakes, but this is exactly the type of game the defender was made for.
Liverpool: Philippe Coutinho
The Brazilian will be no stranger to Arsenal fans on Monday night, after the impressive little midfielder opened his account with a stunning strike on the Premier League opening day.
Playing in the number 10 role, Coutinho has the ability to change games within a second, and if Francis Coquelin isn’t tight to him there’s no doubt he’ll have a go at goal.
Recently accused of hiding away in the big away games by Jamie Carragher, the 23-year-old has a lot to prove against the Gunners, and will cause problems for a defence that have looked slightly shaky.
Coutinho will have a lot more work to do if Henderson is not featuring though, which could see him drop back into a more defensive role.
And although that news might sound like a positive to Arsenal fans, it throws up plenty more problems in the game plan Arsene Wenger will have already put together.
Likely Approach
Arsenal will have plenty of attacking options when it comes down to the starting eleven, with Alexis back and rocking, and the choice of Theo Walcott or Olivier Giroud to lead the line.
Things may have picked up against Crystal Palace last weekend, but Giroud won’t find it so easy against the likes of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren, who specialise in aerial abilities.
Therefore, we may see Englishman playing as the solo striker for this one, in a game which will see Walcott’s first Gunners start since penning that new long-term contract.
And whilst all the focus is on the players scoring the goals, attention must be drawn to the defensive capabilities in this game.
Francis Coquelin has looked ropey in his last couple of games, and in a big match like this he can’t afford to be walking a tightrope when it comes to bookings.
Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny will take charge after that mistake that allowed Joel Ward to score a surprise goal last week, and will have plenty to do with Liverpool new boy, Benteke.
Liverpool on the other hand will just want to put in a performance that can cope with this Arsenal side, after looking average over the last couple of games.
You can argue that Bournemouth were unlucky to get something out of their trip to Anfield last weekend, and it was only the heroics of Coutinho that ensured they picked up three points against Stoke.
However, in a game like this all form goes out the window, and Liverpool will have confidence in getting a result at the Emirates following West Ham’s opening day victory.
Brendan Rogers will want his side to stay in control of the ball, to tease this Arsenal side into frustration inside the opening 45 minutes.
We know what can happen when Arsenal begin to boil over, but the home advantage will ensure they don’t lose their heads in a game that simply has to end in three points for the Gunners.
Set pieces will be Liverpool’s main threat, with the likes of Benteke, Skrtel and Lovren all waiting in the wings to get on the end of Coutinho’s whipped crosses.
James Milner and Jordan Ibe can either show up or be invisible, so we will wait to see what sort of impact they can have on the flanks.
Arsenal XI: Cech, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Walcott
Liverpool XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Lovren, Skrtel, Gomez, Milner, Can, Coutinho, Lallana, Ibe, Benteke
Prediction: Arsenal 2 – 2 Liverpool
Fancy making your own prediction and beat the bookies? Click here for a list of quality betting sites.
There will be goals in this one that’s for sure, and both these sides will be confident in grabbing a win.
Arsenal will start positively because they owe it to the 60,000 fans that watched the West Ham showing, but this is going to be a free-flowing game on both ends of the pitch.
Sanchez is in full flow following his return and if Walcott is given the chance to shine he will no doubt want to show Wenger exactly what the side is missing.
Liverpool will miss their captain big time, and you look at this side and question who else can lead that midfield, with Emre Can the likely option in Henderson’s absence.
Arsenal and Liverpool kick off at 8pm on Monday night, with the game being broadcast live on Sky Sports 1.
Like us on Facebook by clicking here and follow us on Twitter @Fresh_Arsenal to stay up to date with all the news, blogs and transfer updates. You can now follow our new Instagram page here.