Yardbarker
x
‘Important’ Forward Suffering ‘Very Painful’ New Injury: Liverpool Predicted Lineup Vs Arsenal
PA Images/Alamy Images

Liverpool travel to the capital on February 4 to face Arsenal in a thrilling title race matchup. The fixture, taking place at the Emirates Stadium, gives Jurgen Klopp the opportunity to go eight points clear of the Gunners who sit in third place. Alternatively, a home win would see Mikel Arteta just two points off the leaders. This is the Liverpool predicted lineup.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs Arsenal in Monumental Title Race Clash

How Liverpool Have Lined-up Recently

Alisson Becker starts in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate forming a solid wall in front of him. Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley have played as full-backs to deal with injuries.

Alexis Mac Allister starts in the centre of midfield with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones alongside him. Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch have also seen minutes.

Darwin Nunez starts up front with Luis Diaz to his left and Diogo Jota to his right. Cody Gakpo has also played with Mohamed Salah out but has certainly been the least favoured out of the four.

Liverpool’s Recent Form and Tactics

Liverpool defeated Chelsea comfortably in midweek, with a 4-1 victory.

The match saw Bradley continue his incredible form. He makes gut-busting sprints down the right flank, allowing him to provide great service for dangermen in the middle or even shoot across goal: the 20-year-old grabbed two assists and a strike of his own in this fashion.

Nunez continued his trend of missing chances. The Uruguayan took 11 shots (including a penalty) and hit the woodwork four times (a Premier League record), but failed to find the back of the net. This is becoming worrying as Liverpool soon face the gruelling back-end of a title race.

Whilst there were two controversial decisions not to grant Chelsea penalties, it was Klopp’s side that dominated and certainly deserved the three points. Nunez aside, the team took their chances: something they have failed to do recently.

Liverpool Injuries to Consider

Nunez may not be available: “he left the stadium in a boot” after “somebody [a Chelsea player] stepped on his foot”. Klopp admitted “I don’t know if Darwin is available” but revealed that it was “very painful”. The “important” forward may miss out.

Thiago Alcantara is back in training but still “needs time”. Meanwhile, his Spanish teammate Stefan Bajcetic is still out.

Kostas Tsimikas is “close” but “the bone healing takes longer”. Mohamed Salah is definitely not available against Arsenal due to a hamstring injury.

Wataru Endo and Japan were knocked out of the Asian Cup, so he should be available next weekend.

Joel Matip is likely out for the season following surgery.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup

GK: Alisson Becker

LB: Andy Robertson

CB: Ibrahima Konate

CB: Virgil van Dijk

RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold

CM: Curtis Jones

DM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Dominik Szoboszlai

LW: Luis Diaz

ST: Diogo Jota

RW: Harvey Elliott

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.