ARSENAL take on Liverpool in a massive Premier League clash – and both sides look are looking to sit top of the tree at Christmas.
The Gunners will be hoping they can extend their lead at the summit after watching Aston Villa drop two vital points against Sheffield United on Friday night.
But the last time Arsenal beat Liverpool at Anfield, manager Mikel Arteta was in midfield.
- Kick-off time: 5:30pm GMT
- Live stream: NOW TV
- TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League
- Liverpool XI: To follow
- Arsenal XI: To follow
PADDY POWER WELCOME OFFER – Get £40 in free bet builder bets
Follow ALL the action from Anfield with our live blog below…
German with some big choices to make
Jurgen Klopp will be without Stefan Bajcetic, Thiago Alcantara, Joel Matip, Andrew Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister, Diogo Jota and Ben Doak who all still reside in the Anfield treatment room.
Ryan Gravenberch is expected to return to the squad after having a muscle strain against Man Utd last weekend, after fears he had damaged his hamstring proved to be not the case.
Following their dominant win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup, the Dutchman is likely to be on the bench due to the form of Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Predicted Arsenal XI
And we reckon Mikel Arteta will stick to his guns for Arsenal’s biggest game of the season yet.
Predicted Liverpool XI
Here’s how we think Liverpool will line up today…
Klopp on Anfield atmopshere
Jurgen Klopp has urged Liverpool fans to get behind their team more than ever today…
He said: “I have to say – it’s long ago that I said this – but I thought the first half a little bit, when the boys played really exceptional, I was not overly happy, I have to say, with the atmosphere behind me,” said the German.
“I don’t know. I don’t ask people, what do we want? We changed a lot of things. We dominated West Ham like crazy. We missed chances. And I mean, if I would be in the stand I would be on my toes, 1,000 per cent.
“I don’t know if the Man United game was that bad that we have to say, ‘oh sorry that we didn’t smash them’.
“We need Anfield on Saturday. Without Anfield, I would say – after they (Arsenal) didn’t play this week, they prepare for this game and anyone who knows a little bit about them, they will be prepared.
“So, we need Anfield on their toes from the first second without me having an argument with the opposition coach. We need you from the first second.
“If you really want, if it’s too much football in December, I don’t know. Sorry we have to play it as well. But if you are not in the right shape, give your ticket to somebody else.”
Welcome to Liverpool vs Arsenal!
Hello and welcome to SunSport’s live coverage of Liverpool vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
Both Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp will be eyeing that Christmas No 1 spot at the top of the table in what should be a serious cracker at Anfield.
Arsenal will remember their 2-2 draw here last year, having led 2-0 with the game in total control to begin with.
That draw ultimately led them into a downturn in form and further draws with West Ham and Southampton ultimately handed the title to Man City.
Tonight they’ll be out for revenge at one of the hardest grounds to get a result in the country.
But Liverpool are coming off the back of their 0-0 draw with Man Utd and they’ll be desperate to get a big result at home.
So sit back and enjoy all the action, we’ll have you covered throughout the evening.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk