Strong midfield line up selected by Arteta can be the basis of a significant victory at Anfield

 By Danong

In the biggest clash of Premier League matchday three, Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday evening as last season’s top sides renew their rivalry.

Gooners heading to this one will be bullish after a brilliant start to the season, grinding out a vital 1–0 win over United before mercilessly dispatching Leeds 5–0.

If all goes to plan, the Gunners will hope to claim victory over a Liverpool side who, despite winning their opening two games, have looked far from convincing.

Many Arsenal fans who watched the Reds scrape a last-minute 3–2 win over Newcastle couldn’t help but wonder: if ten men overran Arne Slot’s side, why shouldn’t we have it in us to dispatch them?

Of course, the game is played on the pitch and Arteta and his players intend to do just that on Sunday.

While Arsenal head into this fixture on a six-game unbeaten league run against Liverpool, they haven’t won a top-flight match at Anfield since 2012.

With Bukayo Saka sidelined by a hamstring injury, Kai Havertz requiring knee surgery, and Martin Odegaard out with a shoulder issue, questions have been raised about whether Arsenal are strong enough to end their Anfield hoodoo.

Yet thanks to the quality signings made by the club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, manager Mikel Arteta still has a capable squad to choose from despite the absence of key players.

Liverpool should field a strong side, barring injured Jeremie Frimpong. But even with their depth, Arteta can still name a line-up capable of delivering a famous win over one of Arsenal’s main title rivals. This is what he went for:

Raya  
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
Zubimendi, Rice, Merino
Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli tends to thrive against Liverpool; it’s a fixture he relishes, having scored six goals in 12 appearances against the Reds.

The choice of Merino indicates the Arteta wants to start rather conservatively with a strong midfield of mostly defensive minded players.

Eberechi Eze will be expected to pose a greater threat from the bench deployed centrally, while Noni Madueke, signed as Saka’s reliable back-up, should finally step into the role on the right.

As strong as this line-up is, if it doesn’t leave Anfield with a big win, it’s hard to see why, especially given how vulnerable Liverpool have looked defensively, with Ibrahima Konaté and Milos Kerkez struggling for form.

Victory at Anfield would see Arsenal register three wins from their opening three league games, something they’ve only managed once in the past 20 years, back in the 2022–23 season.

Mikel Arteta could make one surprising tactical move against Liverpool that might leave Gooners baffled

 By Danong

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard both picked up injuries last weekend as Arsenal thrashed Leeds 5–0. They could both miss the clash at Anfield.

Their possible absence is set to force Arteta to reconsider how he sets up his team.

Noni Madueke is expected to slot in on the right wing, but as he does so, one big question emerges: who starts on the left?

Whenever Madueke has featured for Arsenal, he’s operated on the left. It was only against Leeds that he switched to the right to cover for Saka.

Who plays left wing?

Had Arsenal’s number 7 been fit for the trip to Anfield, it’s likely the ex-Chelsea man would have continued on the left. But with Saka ruled out, Arteta must now make a bold call.

Some argue he should simply start Eberechi Eze on the left.

But while that option is under consideration, stats suggest that if Arteta goes with Eze on the left, he could miss a brilliant tactical trick.

Martinelli: the secret weapon

Martinelli needs to start on the left. The Brazilian is a different animal against Liverpool, he thrives in these clashes.

In 12 appearances against the Reds, Martinelli has registered six goals and two assists.

By contrast, Eze has just one goal and one assist in eight games against Liverpool.

Martinelli’s record alone makes a strong case, but there’s more to it.

Liverpool have shown vulnerability when defending transitional moments and Arsenal’s number 11 has the pace to exploit that repeatedly.

His speed could unlock Arsenal’s attacking play and dovetail perfectly with Viktor Gyokeres’ strengths. The Swede is well suited to transitional fast paced direct football.

After enduring criticism in recent times, Martinelli will be eager to impress if handed the chance and prove he still has plenty to offer.

That said, if Odegaard is sidelined, Eze, who many believe should be deployed on the left, might be better suited to a central role, where he could cause the most damage against Liverpool.

If Odegaard is fit to start then Eze can express his magic from the bench.

Hunger and desire should see Arteta field this perfect line-up to give United nightmares at the Theatre of Dreams

 By Danong 

The Premier League is back, and Gooners will be hoping it returns with a bang especially given the tough start Arsenal face.

Mikel Arteta’s side begin the season on the road, travelling northwest to take on Manchester United at the Theatre of Dreams.

As the Gunners prepare for arguably their toughest league opener in years, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Arsenal’s recent dominance

Arsenal have dominated the last five Premier League meetings between the two English giants.

With four wins and one draw, the North Londoners remain unbeaten against the Manchester Reds in the league.

The last time the sides met at Old Trafford, Declan Rice cancelled out Bruno Fernandes’ first half opener to secure a 1–1 draw.

Gyokeres vs Sesko

Arguably the biggest talking point will be the Viktor Gyokeres vs Benjamin Sesko showdown.

Both strikers were heavily linked with either club, so it will be fascinating to see them go head-to-head and prove who is better.

It is not yet clear if Sesko, who Arsenal were expected to sign, is in the right place physically and mentally to start against the Gunners.

But if he does Gooners can expect a very interest Sesko and Gyokeres face off straight away this weekend.

Injury watch

Only Gabriel Jesus is expected to miss the game due to fitness concerns as Arteta remains hopeful that Leandro Trossard’s groin issue will settle in time for Sunday’s clash.

After ending pre-season on a high with a 3–0 win over Athletic Club, Arsenal will be keen to pick up where they left off last weekend.

But this is a revamped United side, not the one that finished 15th last season, so Arsenal will need to go strong.

The question is: can they go stronger than this line-up?

Raya;

Timber,Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; 

Zubimendi, Rice;

Saka, Odegaard, Madueke; 

Gyokores

It will be interesting to see who will be selected to sit on the bench!

Pressure already mounting

With Liverpool’s 4–2 win over Bournemouth on Friday night, the pressure is on Arsenal.

Will they respond?

They should. They have no choice but to.