PREVIEW: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Alba Romero 1 year ago 25.4k |

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Arsenal have not won at Anfield in the Premier League since 2012. AFP

Liverpool will host leaders Arsenal on Sunday in the Premier League. The Reds will be looking for a reaction after their poor run of results while the Gunners will be looking for three points to extend their lead. Take a look at all the must-know information ahead of the ultimate showdown.

Liverpool will take on Arsenal at Anfield for their Premier League matchday 30 fixture. This is a huge game for English football as both teams are going into this meeting with a clear goal. The Reds will be looking for a 'reaction' after a poor run of results as they have taken just one point from their past three matches. However, they have won nine of their 13 league games at Anfield this season.

Furthermore, Liverpool want to reach the Champions League places, according to striker Diogo Jota: "We need to give proper energy and be ready for next season, because we need to qualify for something, and Champions League is still possible," said the Portuguese at the pre-match press conference ahead of the Chelsea game.

Klopp is aware of the sackings of coaches in recent weeks - Brendan Rodgers, Graham Potter, among others - but the German said "You might be surprised but I'm really calm. I'm in it, I see everything and I base my decisions on that. And in the end, we will see what the outcome is. I cannot do more," he said.

Klopp's men will be hoping for a positive result after the 0-0 draw against Chelsea and they have faith in their abilities and the atmosphere at Anfield. Nonetheless, the Gunners will not make it easy for them.

Arsenal are in superb form this season. They are top of the table on 72 points while Liverpool are eighth on 43 points. Arteta's side are still in the hunt for their first Premier League title since 2004. They have nine games left to play but feel that the match against the Reds could be decisive for their future in the competition. The Gunners need all three points to extend their lead and pull away from Manchester City, who are eight points clear in second.

Team news

Arteta's men are keen to prove that they are unstoppable this season and that they are capable of lifting the Premier League trophy. According to the Spanish coach, the team are "full of enthusiasm" for this match: "We really need to embrace the moment and go for it. We know that we have a big challenge, but I see a big opportunity to go to Anfield and do something that we haven't done for many years."

However, they know it will not be an easy match and that they will have to fight for it: "We have prepared for that, expecting the best possible Liverpool and us being the best that we can be and with that, we're going to have a chance to win the game," Arteta said.

Elsewhere, the Reds will still be without Luis Diaz for this one. Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp confirmed at the pre-match press conference that the Colombian could be available for the Leeds game: "The plan with Luis is that he will be available 100 per cent for Leeds. Again, it looks good, everything is fine, but it was a long, long injury and so we have to be careful. We will probably not involve him for Sunday," Klopp told reporters.

Moreover, the German coach praised Arsenal: "Mikel is building this team for a few years now and obviously the outcome is pretty impressive. The way they play is fun to watch, to be honest, it's super-lively, really good football. It's not exactly what you can say about us in the moment," he added.

History and form

The last match between Liverpool and Arsenal was on 9th October 2022 in the matchday 10 of the Premier League and was played at the Emirates Stadium. The match ended 3-2 for the home team and the goalscorers were Bukayo Saka (brace), Martinelli, Darwin Nunez and Firmino. Liverpool have lost three of their last five games - against Real Madrid, Manchester City and Bournemouth, drew against Chelsea and thrashed Manchester United 7-0.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have won three of their last five matches - against Leeds United, Crystal Palace and Fulham. However, they drew both matches against Sporting CP in the Europa League. The Portuguese side booked their ticket to the next round on penalties. The Reds have won their last three games against Arsenal, drew one game and Arteta's side won the most recent match between the two sides. Nevertheless, the Gunners have not won at Anfield in the league since 2012.