Find out how Arsenal are shaping up ahead of their huge Premier League clash at Anfield on Sunday
Arsenal travel to Liverpool on Sunday looking to take another major step towards their first Premier League title since 2004.
Victory at Anfield, a ground they haven’t won at in the league since 2012, would see them end the weekend at least eight points clear of Manchester City with just eight matches remaining, although Pep Guardiola’s will have a game in hand.
So it’s another massive weekend for Mikel Arteta’s league leaders, who have won their last seven league games in a row.
But how are things shaping up for Arsenal ahead of Sunday’s crunch clash? Below, GOAL takes a look.
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There is a major doubt over William Saliba, who has missed Arsenal’s last two games with a back problem. Mikel Arteta hinted that one of his injured players had a chance of returning at Anfield, but it’s unclear if he was talking about the France international. He could have been referring to Eddie Nketiah, who is closing in on a return after an ankle injury. Bukayo Saka is fully fit after illness, but Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny will not play again this season due to knee injuries.
AdvertisementGettyTalking point
Who Mikel Arteta starts up front is the big talking point ahead of Sunday’s game. With Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard all available, the Arsenal manager has a big decision to make. Jesus scored twice on his first league start since November last weekend and it would be a huge surprise if he does not get the nod again at Anfield. So Arteta must decide between Martinelli and Saka, Arsenal’s two top scorers this season, and the in-form Trossard, who has just been voted the club’s player of the month for March.
GettyKey man – Thomas Partey
Whoever wins the midfield battle on Sunday will go a long way to coming out on top at Anfield. Liverpool have struggled in midfield this season, so if Partey can dominate that area then Arsenal will have a great chance of finally ending their 11-year wait for a league win at Anfield. Liverpool do leaves spaces at the back, we've seen that all season, so if Partey can get on the ball and move it quickly to Arteta's front three they could cause the hosts a lot of problems.
(C)Getty ImagesWhat has Arteta said?
Speaking about Arsenal's 11-year run without a league win at Anfield, Arteta said: "We've been to a few grounds this season where we haven't won in 17, 18 and 22 years and we have managed to do that. So we are capable of [winning at Anfield], that's for sure. We really need to embrace the moment and go for it. The team is full of enthusiasm and positivity and 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. That's what is driving the team in the last few days."