Mikel Arteta has plenty of selection headaches ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool. The Spaniard will give it to the last second to make his decision, but there is so much still up in the air that he has been having sleepless nights.
“Normally I prefer to go to bed with the line up in my head so I can sleep like a baby,” he said in his pre-match press conference. “But sometimes it can not be as you have to wait for the next day. Sometimes two days before. Or just three days before you already have the idea ‘against this team this is what I am going to do’ but when you have uncertainty with injuries that is tricky.”
Kieran Tierney, Martin Odegaard, and Takehiro Tomiyasu are unquestionably out, and William Saliba is absent for the first time since May 2023 as a result of suspension. Bukayo Saka is also uncertain, and Jurrien Timber and Riccardo Calafiori are potential replacements but will have to pass late fitness tests. Arsenal could drop to seven points behind Liverpool if they lose. Such a disparity in the title battle feels enormous, even at this early point. It is imperative that Arteta chooses his squad carefully in light of this. This is how football.london anticipates the Spaniard will position his team.
Goalkeeper – David Raya
David Raya is one thing that is certain amidst the present Arsenal uncertainty. He’ll aim to make up for his poor performance against Bournemouth the previous game.
Right-back – Thomas Partey
Although it’s not ideal, Thomas Partey might be asked to fill in at right-back given the number of injuries in the back line and Jurrien Timber’s serious doubts. Though not in such a significant game, the Ghanaian has accomplished it previously.
Centre-back – Ben White
Ben White would then go in to cover for William Saliba with Partey at right back. You can rely on the England international to demonstrate his versatility even though he hasn’t played in the middle for more than a year.
Centre-back – Gabriel
Gabriel is arguably the only player scheduled to play his typical defensive position. Last season, the Brazilian scored against Liverpool, and this time, Arsenal could really use another goal from him.
Left-back – Jakub Kiwior
Since Oleksandr Zinchenko hasn’t played in six weeks, it seems risky to start him against Mo Salah. So did starting Myles Lewis-Skelly in the first league. Jakub Kiwior will probably be trusted at left-back once more in light of this.