Liverpool has the opportunity to establish an eight-point lead in the Premier League standings if Jürgen Klopp’s team can secure a victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium later today. To bridge the existing five-point gap, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side is in dire need of a win.
Concerns arose among the Reds regarding a potential injury to Uruguayan forward Darwin Núñez, who was seen wearing a protective boot as he left Anfield midweek following the 4-1 triumph over Chelsea. However, Núñez returned to training on Friday and showed no signs of hindrance. Players like Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold are eager to reclaim their spots in the starting lineup.
Conor Bradley may be unavailable due to the recent tragic passing of his father at the age of 58, occurring just days after he scored his first Premier League goal. Nevertheless, Liverpool is likely to maintain a relatively unchanged lineup from the team that convincingly defeated Chelsea on Wednesday.
For the most part, the lineup is straightforward. The preferred back four is expected, with the exception of Robertson. Gomez is deemed deserving of retaining his spot in the side. The midfield is anticipated to mirror the midweek composition, where the impact of Alexis Mac Allister could be crucial.
In the attacking department, Núñez is poised to start if deemed fit. If not, Gakpo is expected to come off the bench, although there is optimism that both he and Harvey Elliott can conjure some second-half magic. The potential for a game-changing performance from a substitute is high for those who don’t start.