Liverpool vs Arsenal: Predicted lineup, injury news, head-to-head, telecast

One of Liverpool, Arsenal or Aston Villa will celebrate Christmas leading the Premier League table

After a stalemate draw with Manchester United, Liverpool are back on track with a win. Just today Jürgen Klopp’s men geared up for a quarter-final clash against West Ham United in the EFL Cup. They ended up thrashing the East London side 5-1. Without much rest, in two days, they will be up against Arsenal for the biggest Premier League clash before Christmas.

Mikel Arteta’s men on the other hand have had a full week to recover, prepare and train for this match that has the league leader position at stake. The Gunners last played on Sunday and it was a matchday 17 fixture against Brighton. Roberto De Zerbi and Co. couldn’t do much on their trip to the Emirates Stadium as they lost 2-0.

Kick-Off:

Saturday, 23 December 2023 at 5:30 PM UK (11:00 PM IST)

Location: Anfield

Form

Liverpool (in all competitions): W-D-L-W-W

Arsenal (in all competitions): W-D-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

One player who can change or even destroy any tactic the Arsenal side may have prepared under Mikel Arteta for the game. The Egyptian King has started every league game for his side. Mohamed Salah boasts a strong tally of 11 goals and 7 assists in that period. He has only failed to contribute in 4 out of those 17 games. Against the Hammers, Salah only came on as a substitute for the final half-hour of the cup action and ended up scoring a goal.

Kai Havertz (Arsenal)

The former Chelsea man has changed a gear or two in recent weeks. Upto matchday 12, Kai Havertz could only squeeze in a goal and an assist. But in the last 5 league games scoring 3 goals, the player has been much more like himself. The attacking midfielder can provide additional problems to Klopp with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka already being the headline threats.

Match Facts

• The hosts’ EFL Cup clash with West Ham today meant they will be getting just 2 days to rest and prepare while the Gunners had a full week to do so
• Liverpool are at 38 points on the PL table and just a point behind league leaders Arsenal. A win for any side means they will celebrate Christmas as league leaders
• If the game culminates as a draw, it will be Aston Villa who will be celebrating the most (assuming Villa wins against Sheffield United). The Villans are level on points with the Reds and have 5 less in goal difference

Injury & Team News

The Liverpool number 10, Alexis Mac Allister, endured a deep cut on the knee against Sheffield. And will be unavailable as it was stitched later. A torn meniscus means winger Ben Doak has a lengthy time out. Ryan Gravenberch only had a fatigue to deal with against Man United and should be available. No hamstring injury as feared. Diogo Jota will return post-Christmas. Thiago Alcantara and Andy Robertson remain doubtful.

Mohamed Elneny’s minor hamstring issue seems to have been resolved as he was pictured in Arsenal’s training today. Jorginho remains a doubt. Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira will miss the game as they are still out recovering.

Head to Head (past 47 matches)

Total Matches – 32

Liverpool wins – 15

Arsenal wins – 14

Draws – 18

Predicted Lineup

Liverpool predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Alisson (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Gravenberch; Salah, Nunez, Diaz

Arsenal predicted lineup (4-3-3):

Raya (GK); White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Ødegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli

Match Prediction for Liverpool vs Arsenal

Match official Chris Kavanagh will be the closest to seeing this action-packed game and officiating as well. Needless to say, it will be a game hotly contested as both sides can deliver the Premier League trophy by the end of the season. Also, this game’s result will be key in moving in that direction. If one had to win for the night, Arsenal just could be it.

Prediction: Liverpool 2-3 Arsenal

Telecast for Liverpool vs Arsenal

India – Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar

UK – Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video

US –  NBC, USA Network, Peacock

Nigeria – SuperSport, NTA, Canal+ Afrique

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