Liverpool will be looking to make it 10 games unbeaten when they travel to Arsenal in midweek.
However, it seems pretty unlikely the Reds will have much joy against a side that currently sit 14 points above them in the Premier League table.
Chris Sutton expects Arsenal to beat Liverpool and shared his view that Arne Slot’s side are already out of the title race.
What should happen to Arne Slot when Liverpool inevitably fail to beat Arsenal❓
Liverpool have drawn four of their last seven Premier League matches under the Dutchman!
Fan ire towards Slot is growing, and another poor performance against Mikel Arteta’s team is only likely to exacerbate that.
Ahead of the meeting, the Liverpool boss spoke to the media on Wednesday morning.
Arne Slot provides Hugo Ekitike update before Arsenal
The Dutchman discussed a number of topics in his press conference, including the fitness of Hugo Ekitike.
Ekitike missed the 2-2 draw with Fulham on Sunday with what was thought to be a minor issue.
In his absence, Cody Gakpo started up front and scored a late goal in the clash.
However, fans hit out at Gakpo during the tie and may well be keen to see their top goalscorer return to the eleven this week.
Now, speaking on January 7, Slot has cast doubt over Ekitike starting the meeting with Arsenal.
He said: “He’s not trained with us until now. Let’s see if he can today [Wednesday].
“He’s not going to be out for long but because games come so fast, he’s in between training with the team, or it would take him one or two days extra.”
Fill in the blank: Arne Slot must start — as Liverpool’s striker against Arsenal
Isak is out until March, and Ekitike hasn’t trained. Could Chiesa be an option? 🤔
As a result, it looks as though Ekitike could very well miss, or at least not start, the meeting with Arsenal this week.
And with Isak also still out of action, Slot may once again have to get creative with his striker options on Thursday.
Gakpo seems to be the clear choice, but as Florian Wirtz has been playing with a minor hamstring issue, the Dutchman might be needed off the left.
In turn, it could open the door for Federico Chiesa to be handed a start as a striker.
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