Liverpool play Arsenal this Saturday at Anfield, in a title-winning race. The two sides have both recorded successive wins at the beginning of the new Premier League campaign.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool: After having a week of preparation, Klopp will no doubt name what he considers to be his strongest starting XI. There will likely be two alterations in midfield, with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson being restored to the starting lineup in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner. The front three should remain the same, whilst Adrian will continue to step in for the injured Alisson. Centre back Joel Matip could come in to keep Joe Gomez out of the team.
Arsenal: Emery must now decide whether to keep faith with the younger players in his side, aware of the threat that Liverpool pose in front of their own supporters. Nicholas Pepe should come into the first team, after playing the second half against Burnley, after being signed from Lille. Hector Bellerin and Rob Holding are out with knee injuries, Kieran Tierney and Mavropanos have groin issure and Mesut Ozil is doubtful as he lacks match fitness, meaning Mkhitaryan may come into play at some point during the match.
MANAGER'S THOUGHTS
Klopp: Klopp has no new injuries worries to deal with going into this big home game. He told his team that, "We have to stay the team who nobody wants to play against. Not because of the name or the quality we have, but because of the intensity we put into the game", showing that Liverpool are keen to put up a fight in their home game. He still trusts in Adrian as Alisson's replacement and is also said to be "absoluelty delighted" about Oxlade-Chamberlain signing a new deal with the club.
Emery: "We need to take our best performance, to go there with a good feeling thinking we can achieve that individual and collective performance". He also commented about the opportunity of going top and how, even though it is early doors, it would be "amazing" and would help them remain positive. He said Ozil had been training normally with the team, but still needs to build on match fitness.When speaking about playing at Anfield, he said it will be "a big challange", but "We need to continue creating our way, be strong".
Did you know?
The two clubs have played against each other 226 times, in which Liverpool have won 87 times, drawn 61 and lost 78. They will be hoping that tomorrow's game adds to the wins in this statistic.
RECENT FORM:
Liverpool: 17th August; Southampton 1 - 2 Liverpool, 14th August: Liverpool 2 - 2 Chelsea (5-4), 9th August: Liverpool 4 - 1 Norwich, 4th August; Liverpool 1 - 1 Manchester City (4-5), 31st July: Liverpool 3 - 1 Lyon
Arsenal: 17th August: Arsenal 2 - 1 Burnley: 11th August: Newcastle United 0 - 1 Arsenal: 4th August: Barcelona 2 - 1 Arsenal, 31st July: Angers 1 - 1 Arsenal: 28th July: Arsenal 1 - 2 Olympique Lyonnais
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Liverpool: Adrain (GK); Robertson, Van Dijk, Matip, Arnold; Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Henderson; Mane, Firmino, Salah
Arsenal: Leno (GK); Monreal, Luiz, Sokratis, Maitland-Niles; Xhaka, Guendouzi, Ceballos; Aubameyang, Pepe, Lacazette