MATCH PREVIEW // Arsenal Home

Liverpool v Arsenal.. Saturday 23 December 17:30 BST

What better than a home game against Arsenal.. This has been a cracking game for both sides over the years. Turn the Anfield lights on and it takes on another dimension.. I was at the 4-4 a few years ago. It was fire, believe me.. In fact I've been at quite a few. They love playing here and we love playing them here..

Liverpool are on the back of a quite excellent performance in midweek against The Hammers where we put in one hell of a team performance. Harvey, Curtis and Quansah were awesome and the future looks bright.

On the flip side we were all left a bit gutted by the United game. Not that we were over confident but when the players had a weeks rest you'd think they'd have come out firing and lets face it they were there for the taking. The front 3 once again failing to do anything really.

So getting that front 3 right is of major importance. They need to start clicking and they will. It's just a matter of time. We are in a great position obviously in the league as with a win here we are clear at the top. Plus we are in the semi's of the League Cup and through to the Europa with ease.

The defence and midfield are flying. Ali is just Ali the best in the world.. So if that front 3 start doing bits then.. Well.. Anything and everything can be achieved this season..

Quick Stat Check.. Liverpool have won 4 & Drawn 2 of their last 6.. Arsenal top the form guide with 5 Wins & 1 Defeat in that time.. 

Liverpool Team News

In better news Gravenberch should be fit for this one with a late fitness test. Jota and Mac Allister are back early new year. While long term absentees Thiago & Robbo are on track to back late January. Bajcetic and Matip are out for the foreseeable future..

Liverpool Line Up

Ali, Joe, Konate, Virg, Tsimikas, Trent, Szoboszlai, Curtis, Mo, Diaz, Gakpo

Arsenal Team News

The Gunners are without Vieira, Tomiyasu, Partey, Jorginho, Elneny & Timber

Arsenal Line Up

Raya, White, Gabriel, Salina, Zinchenko, Rice, Odegaard, Havertz, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus

Arsenal are the biggest threat to win the league after City. When you look at their team they are a very strong first 11. Depth could be an issue for them should injuries arise. With 6 out injured they are pretty light but still have a bit of quality..

The signings of Jesus & Zinchenko took this side to another level last season. Coming from City they simply know how to win trophies. With Saka & Martinelli they have pace and goals from out wide. Declan Rice has added to an already strong midfield while defensively they are strong.

The big question mark is why would you change the keeper. Ramsdale played a blinder in this fixture last season. 

THE GAME

We will grab this game by the scruff of the neck thats for sure. Once again possession based stuff and more controlled attacks. Arsenal will attack our right back at will. Ganging up on him while attacking down their right with Saka and overloading the far post with his deliveries.

Fingers crossed this is the game Gomez starts right back as he along with Konate down that right side should nullify more threats.. Tsimikas & Virg are a different animal. Virg is looking back to his elite best so their forwards will have to work harder than last season.

Our forwards as discussed are just not doing it. Mo needs to take a leaf out of Harvey's book from the other night. He never loses possession and was always available. Popping up all over the pitch. Obviously Mo scores goals but that was a great all round performance.

Nunez looked a load better down the left and could start there again. Although Diaz should be the choice. Gakpo may well start up top. Whether it his him or Nunez they simply need to do more. Start dominating the defenders a bit and linking up play quicker and better.

Plus SHOOT for funk sake. When they do. Things happen. Gakpo hits worldy's as does Nunez. Gakpo's flew in against The Hammers while Nunez shot came back off the post for Mo who missed an easy tap in.

PREDICTION.. 3-1 To Them Mighty Reds..

The midfield battle for this one looks quite a prospect. They are quite well matched with similar styles and you could see goals and assists coming from this department. With us being at home this will give us an advantage.

Any of the front three for both teams could score at any time given the chance. Both teams can score from set pieces but again you'd feel we have an edge here too. The one weakness for us to attack is the defence and goal keeper.

Raya is a good goalkeeper that is not in doubt. Yet he has not settled at Arsenal yet. It's a big step up and if you're a defender without complete confidence in your keeper it upsets the whole back four. If not the whole team.

Not wanting to sound like a broken record and call the obvious but a fast start and a couple of early goals could put The Gunners firmly on the back foot. Equally being patient and scoring first would be cool too. The second goal will be vital. Like against West Ham.

Curtis scored the second when they were bringing on some strong subs. It killed the game.. So a solid set up. More from the front 3. Trent in midfield with Dom & Curtis and we should be enjoying what looks like an excellent game under those Anfield lights this evening

OurLFC Dangerman..

Trent.. For the 10th game in a row it just has to be Trent. The Scouser In Our Team is just on fire right now. In that 30 minute cameo he got two assists. Although the Curtis one was all Curtis after a little pass.. Still he's a game changer wherever he starts.

In midfield he has the freedom to do whatever he likes. We are certainly watching the next great Liverpool Legend. So enjoy every second of what he does. It's up to Klopp now to play him in the position thats gonna rocket this lad into the best player in the world conversation. There aren't many ahead of him..

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