Liverpool will face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, in what looks to be Arne Slot’s hardest test since taking over for Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman has responded to almost everything that has been thrown at him thus far, leading Liverpool to 11 wins out of 12 in all competitions.
While the Reds are flying high, Arsenal is struggling both on and off the pitch, falling four points behind in the Premier League table.
To make matters worse, they have a number of injury concerns to address before the game on Sunday.
Despite the state of Liverpool’s squad, Paul Merson believes his former team will be able to earn a point against them.
Paul Merson believes Liverpool and Arsenal will share the spoils.
Liverpool’s Premier League match against Chelsea was seen as their hardest test to yet, and they passed with flying colours, winning 2-1.
Merson believes the Reds are in for another tough struggle, adding that if Arsenal loses on Sunday, they would be effectively eliminated from the title chase.
“We said Liverpool hadn’t played anyone big until last week and they responded by winning against Chelsea!” Merson wrote this in his Sportskeeda column.
“That was their first significant test; this is the next one. They couldn’t have chosen a better time to play Arsenal. “If Arsenal loses this game, they are out of the title race!”
Liverpool has dominated this rivalry in recent years, winning six of their past twelve encounters with Arsenal and losing only twice during that time under Jurgen Klopp.
Merson went on to say that Liverpool may take a draw, but they will be dissatisfied if they do not win this game.
“If Jurgen Klopp was still in charge, I could see Liverpool running wild here and Arsenal being blown to pieces with so many key players missing.
“Klopp always wanted to leave teams with a bloody nose in games like these, whereas Arne Slot is more controlled.”
Arsenal are working hard to get Bukayo Saka fit for the game, but they will be without William Saliba, who is suspended, as well as Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber.
Despite their circumstances, Merson believes Arsenal will earn at least a point, predicting a 1-1 tie.
“Arsenal will be without three of their top four players, with Declan Rice the only exception.
“Liverpool will understand that opportunities to play a weaker Arsenal team are few. But I doubt they will win. A draw at the end would be an excellent result for Arsenal.”
On the other hand, Gary Neville believes Arsenal will beat Liverpool at home, which would be a watershed moment for Mikel Arteta.
How can Liverpool line up against Arsenal?
Liverpool are unlikely to make many changes to the lineup that faced Chelsea, though Alexis MacAllister might replace Curtis Jones.
With Diogo Jota sidelined, Darwin Nunez is set to lead the line, while Mohamed Salah will take his spot on the right flank.
Slot must choose between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo for the left wing position and may prefer the former, who has already scored five Premier League goals this season.
