The Premier League kicks off this weekend with improbable champions Leicester heading to Hull in the opening fixture of the 2016/17 season. But it’s Sunday’s late game between Arsenal and Liverpool that promises to be the stand out match.
Unsurprisingly, Arsenal have once again been quiet in the summer transfer market. Their only notable addition was Borussia M.Gladbach’s highly touted central midfielder Granit Xhaka. While he will help fortify the Gunners midfield, it might not be enough to overcome their current struggles in defence.
Without a ball even being kicked, Arsenal already find themselves in a mini-defensive crisis. Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista are both currently on the injury list. Although Laurent Koscielny has returned to training, Arsène Wenger confirmed that he would not yet be ready for Sunday’s clash. Talks with Valencia’s Shkodran Mustafi have been progressing well, but teams were unable to agree a fee in time for the German to be available this weekend.
In his press conference today, Wenger said that he has "a few options that you have seen in preseason. That is basically the players we have available at the moment, who are quite young but have a great desire to do well." Calum Chambers is their only fit central defender with any experience in the position from last season, while Nacho Monreal made six appearances there the season before. Wenger also has new signing Rob Holding at his disposal signing. The 20-year-old has been a regular in the side during pre-season following his move from Bolton.
Arsenal won’t be alone in the physio room — Liverpool have issues of their own with injuries albeit not as acutely in a single position as their opponents. James Milner and Daniel Sturridge are unlikely to be risked, while Simon Mignolet will retain his position as Liverpool’s number one as Loris Karius is recovering from surgery after picking up a bizarre hand injury during pre-season.
Injury concerns at both ends of the pitch, and Mignolet, should mean one thing - goals, and lots of them. Only West Ham (14) and Aston Villa (13) made more errors that led directly to a goal in the Premier League last season than Liverpool (10). And there have been 24 goals in the last 6 meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool.
With Manchester United intent on keeping the transfer window squarely on them, Liverpool’s savvy summer has largely gone under the radar. They have released a number of players, freeing up wages for a number of astute signings. Sadio Mané being no exception.
Liverpool opted for a whopping 9 pre-season friendlies, 4 more than Arsenal. By and large their results, like their performances were mixed at best. The one positive constant was Sadio Mané who picked up where he left off last season. His first appearance for Liverpool this summer was against Chelsea. He troubled the Blues throughout the match and was unlucky to not score. He could prove to be a profitbale option with your free in-play bet.
In terms of results, Arsenal’s pre-season prepared them for a winning mentality. They won 4 of their 5 matches comprehensively, including a come from behind win against title favourites Manchester City. With the exception of finding themselves without a proper centre half pairing, it would have been ideal preparation for the season ahead.
After easily putting 4 past Barcelona less than a week ago, facing an Arsenal without a proper back four or their first choice striker should be a tantalising prospect - but history is not on Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Liverpool have managed just 1 win in their last 10 games against Arsenal and have not won at the Emirates since August 2011. Between Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund, Klopp has lost more games against Arsenal (3) than he has against any other English team, managing a solitary win at home.
Arsenal won 12 of their home games in the Premier League last season, no team managed more. While question marks loom over their defence this weekend, it’s difficult to rule Arsenal out at home even in the face of a free-flowing Liverpool attack. Arsenal are likely to take at least a point on Sunday, which you can get odds of 1.38 with Bet365.
What are your top tips for Arsenal's match against Liverpool? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below
