As one of the biggest ties in the Premier League era (and before), Arsenal against Liverpool always carries an electric edge to it. We can see this being a majorly enjoyable tie: Arsenal are on the midst of a fantastic run, while Liverpool have become surprisingly cynical and capable of snatching results.
The bombastic 3-3 at The Emirates last year will live long in the memory: will this game produce the same drama this time around? Can Liverpool prevail?
Arsenal News
With a hugely impressive run of form in recent times, Arsenal have had the form of their strike duo Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to thank. With 11 goals between them, they are in wonderful form in an attacking sense.
24 goals, too, is a good all-round return – though the surprising 13 conceded is a bit of an issue. However, nobody can doubt the quality of a squad that has gone so long unbeaten and is seeing injuries reduce compared to their classic norm.
Liverpool News
Liverpool were in a bit of a tight spot after the international break, with injuries to key players like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane. Three have returned, but the slow-burning Keita is not yet back and has yet to really hit the heights in red.
Games like this, when space will open up and opportunities will present themselves, would have been ideal for him, though. Jürgen Klopp, who has enjoyed a very impressive run of results against the Gunners since he came to Anfield three years ago, might see this as a good time to allow his more precise passers to play, hoping to use that open space to good effect.
Verdict
Score draw. These are two great sides at the moment, but have enough flaws to make it hard to see one as the overriding winner. If we had to for a winner, we would go for the away side – but a pulsating draw, which suits nobody but Manchester City, feels most appropriate.