The only two teams with two wins in two matches face-off in Matchweek 3, as Arsenal heads to Anfield to take on Liverpool F.C. in a battle for the top spot.
Liverpool, the past UEFA Champions League winners, toppled Norwich 4-1 in their opening match, and beat Southampton 2-1 in their next game. Arsenal, lead by the goalscoring prowess of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, beat Newcastle 1-0 and Burnley 2-1.
Anfield has not been kind to the Arsenal, as the Gunners have lost their last three trips to the stadium, conceding over three goals in those matches. Unai Emery’s side will need to contain the dangerous attack of Liverpool, and create enough chances for their own attackers.
Mesut Özil and Granit Xhaka will be fit for this weekend’s matchup, but a selection in the starting eleven may not come for them. With Dani Ceballos putting in a fantastic shift at the No.10 role last weekend, and Joe Willock playing great for the Gunners in his two starts, the Arsenal veterans may find places on the bench for this game.
Liverpool will be without their star goalkeeper Alisson Becker, with Adrian stepping into the role for the Reds. Dejan Lovren returned to training for Liverpool, but would be unlikely to start due to fitness.
Predicted XI:
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Emery’s side will likely make only two changes going into Anfield, with Lucas Torreira coming in for Matteo Guendouzi and Reiss Nelson dropping as Nicolas Pepe makes his full debut.
Arsenal are still struggling with injuries when it comes to defensive depth, so there will be no changes to the back-line.
The midfield performances of Willock will likely see Emery give him a place against Liverpool, but do not be surprised if Xhaka comes on if the youngster doesn’t play well.
Aubameyang will stay out wide, as Lacazette plays the forward role with Ceballos behind him. Pepe’s full debut against Liverpool will be highly anticipated.
Score Prediction: 2-1 Liverpool
Arsenal will grab the first goal within the first 30 minutes, as Aubameyang connects with pass from Pepe on the counter to give Arsenal an early lead.
But Liverpool’s attack will be too much for the weakened Arsenal back-line, and though Bernd Leno will have a great game in goal, Liverpool will put two past him in the second half for the win.
