Liverpool travel to the Emirates Stadium to take on Arsenal on Sunday in what promises to be Arne Slot’s toughest test since replacing Jurgen Klopp at the helm.
The Dutchman has had answers to pretty much everything that’s been thrown his way so far and has spearheaded Liverpool to 11 wins out of 12 in all competitions.
While the Reds are flying high, Arsenal aren’t having the best time on and off the pitch as they find themselves four adrift in the Premier League table.
To make matters worse, they have a handful of injury issues to deal with before the game on Sunday.
And Paul Merson feels his former team will be able to get a point against Liverpool despite the state of their squad.
Paul Merson feels Liverpool and Arsenal will share the spoils
The Premier League clash against Chelsea was seen as Liverpool’s toughest test up until then and they passed with flying colours as they recorded a 2-1 win.
Merson now feels the Reds are set to face another challenge, adding that Arsenal are effectively out of the title race if they lose on Sunday.
“We said Liverpool hadn’t played anyone big until last week and they responded by winning against Chelsea!” wrote Merson in his column for Sportskeeda.
“That was their first major test and this is the next one. They couldn’t have asked for a better time than now to play Arsenal. If Arsenal lose this game, they are out of the title race!”
Liverpool have the upper hand in this fixture in recent years, winning six of their last 12 meetings with the Gunners and losing just twice in that period under Jurgen Klopp.
Merson continued: “If you’re Liverpool, you could accept a draw but deep down inside, they’ll still be disappointed if they fail to win this game.
“If it was still Jurgen Klopp as manager, I could see Liverpool running riot here and Arsenal getting shredded to pieces with so many of their key players unavailable.
“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 will be without the suspended William Saliba, while Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber are also expected to miss out.
Despite their situation, Merson feels Arsenal will get at least a point as he predicted a 1-1 draw.
“Arsenal will be without three of their four best players, with Declan Rice being the only exception.
“Liverpool will know these kind of opportunities to face a weakened Arsenal team will not come around very often. But I doubt they’ll get a win. A draw in the end would be a great result for Arsenal.”
On the other hand, Gary Neville feels Arsenal will beat Liverpool at home, which would be a statement result for Mikel Arteta.
How Liverpool can lineup vs Arsenal?
Liverpool aren’t expected to make too many changes to the team that faced Chelsea, although Alexis Mac Allister could return to the XI in place of Curtis Jones.
With Diogo Jota injured, Darwin Nunez is expected to lead the line and Mohamed Salah will take his place on the right flank.
Slot has to choose between Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo for the left-wing spot and could be inclined towards the former, who has already scored five Premier League goals this season.
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