Arteta needs to be brave in his team selection vs Liverpool

 By Danong and 1970s Gooner 

Arsenal and Liverpool face off at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday evening in a clash of two of the 2024–25 Premier League title favorites.

There has been a lot of discussion about this game but one thing is certain: Arsenal cannot afford to lose, as a loss would leave them 6 points behind Manchester City and 7 points behind the Reds.

Mikel Arteta and his technical bench should be able to field a solid team that will challenge the Reds. There are certainly late fitness checks on Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber but we are hopeful they'll both make it.

In central defence Arteta should look to start with Gabriel and Ben White, who already have chemistry from their time as central defence partners in 2021/22.

Timber has made such an impression at right-back and if he is fit he should start. The Dutchman clearly unlocks our right-handed attacking potential.

Arteta also needs to show bravery by giving youth a chance and starting the Hale End stars, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis Skelly.

Nwaneri's impressive cameo against Bournemouth left many wondering why he never started that 2-0 loss. He will add trickery and a creative approach that was so obviously missing when Rice, Partey and Merino started in midfield against Bournemouth.

On the other hand, when presented with the opportunity to introduce Oleksander Zinchenko against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Arsenal boss chose Lewis Skelly (surely that was a sign of how much he trusts him).

Featuring for Arteta's team, both Nwaneri and Lewis Skelly have demonstrated confidence, authority, and maturity, remaining unfazed by playing on the biggest stage. 

The notion is that by trusting them, Martin Odegaard and Riccardo Calafiori could be capably replaced in the lineup.

In light of this, Arsenal should field the following lineup to outwit Liverpool on Sunday evening:

David Raya
Timber, White, Gabriel, Lewis Skelly
Partey, Rice, Nwaneri
Saka, Havertz, Martinelli 

If Saka and Timber are not avaliable then Partey should drop at right back and Jorginho should come in midfield. Trossard will also come in the starting 11.

Raya

Partey White Gabriel Lewis Skelly
Nwaneri  Jorghino Rice
Trossard Havertz Martinelli

Whichever team is selected Arsenal will have the right frame of mind and confidence to come out victorious.