Can Arsenal keep the winning streak going or will Liverpool prove a step too far?

Arsenal have been rock solid since the defeat to Aston Villa a month ago. They’ve won every game since and even got revenge over Villa in a 4-1 hammering. Chance creation is improving and those chances are being converted, which was another issue hampering the Gunners. We now sit six points clear at the top, but that’s subject to change based on the results from Manchester City and Aston Villa’s fixtures. However, Arsenal will be facing a side that can best be described as a ‘wounded beast’. They’ve certainly improved form since the dark days in October and November, but it’s not thriving. They’re drawing as many as they win and that’s not what we’ve come to expect from this Liverpool side. Having said that, they’re a team full of superstars who can win games on their own. The Gunners need to be on it from the get go.

Form

On paper, they haven’t lost a game since the 26th November, when PSV rocked up and hammered them 4-1. However, they’ve been plagued with draws that have been holding them back from properly kicking on. They’ve improved defensively, but have still shipped 8 goals in 9 games. In the 9 game unbeaten stretch, they’ve kept four clean sheets, which includes an impressive 1-0 win away to Inter Milan. At the other end, they’ve notched 15 goals in those 9 games, which is perhaps below their standards. For Arne Slot, it’s two draws in a row now, after Fulham rescued a point late on. They need to get back to winning ways and can do that against Arsenal, the reverse of this fixture saw the Reds win 1-0 at Anfield. Liverpool have also won the most games between these sides since 2010. But, to use that word again, draws have been the most common result.

Mikel Arteta also hasn’t got the better of Slot since his arrival in England. Three games, two draws and one defeat. In terms of xG, Liverpool have still been very impressive. They’ve generated 32 xG and conceded 23.2 xGA. For comparison, Arsenal have 36.6 xG and 14.9 xGA. Arsenal’s xGA is by far and away the best in the league, so a better comparison is Manchester City, who have 22 xGA. A combination of xG and xGA has Liverpool sitting 3rd on the same number of points. Aston Villa are the xG unicorns who should be 15th. It’s never essential to look at xG, but it’s always interesting to have a look.

Injuries/Absences

Liverpool have had a difficult few weeks in terms of selection issues. Mohamed Salah has been absent for a period of time, due to participation in the African Cup of Nations. Alexander Isak has broken his leg as well. There’s been some other injuries floating around the squad and will be some heading into the Arsenal game. Salah and Isak won’t be available, Hugo Ekitike is also in danger of missing this tie as well. The only other notable exclusion is Wataru Endo. The big one will be whether Ekitike can make it or not, Slot suggested he hasn’t yet trained.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup

This is assuming that Ekitike won’t be available, so Gakpo goes in. This is clearly a side that’s hurting, but still have unbelievable talent in the team. Dominik Szoboszlai scored the winner against us last time out. Florian Wirtz is finding his feet a little more. The only trouble with this squad is that most of them have played a lot of minutes, most of the minutes that Liverpool can use. There will be a hint of tired legs, but you can’t pin your hopes on that.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup

This is the team I’d like to see tomorrow given the extent of our own injuries. I want Eberechi Eze to start, he’s got a good record against Liverpool. But, essentially we need our best players and for them to be at their best.

Predicted Result: Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool

I do think Arsenal are physically too strong for this Liverpool side. If Ekitike is available then that would change my mind a little, but I’m assuming he won’t be. Home advantage, form and a settled team give me the indication that Arsenal will have what it takes to win.