Liverpool travel to the Emirates this Saturday to face Arsenal in an unlikely top of the table clash between two sides who are enjoying an almost perfect start to their league Campaign. The Reds after 9 game weeks stand at third in the table just two points behind Arsenal and will look to close the gap and in fact move ahead of the Gunners.
The Merseyside club would be hoping their Suarez + Sturridge combination will work out against a mediocre Arsenal defence set up. Liverpool head into the game on the back of a 4-1 thrashing over West Brom last week which also saw Suarez score a wonderful hattrick. The game has all the potentials to turn out into a classic top of the table clash with both the parties trying to cement their foot in the season’s title race.
As far as the team news in concerned, Rodgers will be without long term absentee Iago Aspas. Jose Enrique who has missed out quite a few games following his knee surgery is still a doubt for the clash. Elsewhere Philippe Coutinho is rumoured to be in line to return from injury against Arsenal
So here is the possible XI that Brendan Rodgers might field against Arsenal:
Mignolet:
The impressive former Sunderland man will continue to do his job in between the sticks. Although he has leaked in a few goals in recent times, the Belgian will play a crucial role tomorrow.
Toure:
From Manchester City’s bench to Liverpool’s main part in the three man defence setup deployed by Rodgers, Kolo Toure has come a long way this season and will continue to play on the right hand side of the defence.
Skrtel:
Martin Skrtel who has been sensational since he made his comeback recently, should keep his position in the starting berth.
Sakho:
The revived French International has made the most out his recent move from PSG where he was left on the bench. Sakho has quickly settled down in the Premier League and will continue to play on the left side of the defence.
Lucas:
Lucas will stand the deepest alongside Gerrard and Henderson in the three man midfield. The Brazilian will be crucial to put in a tackle or two against the likes of Ozil and Cazorla.
Gerrard:
The Reds captain has tirelessly contributed to their cause this season and will once again be responsible with his leadership qualities in such a big match.
Henderson:
Although Countinho has returned from his injury, Henderson should keep his place in the starting berth as Rodgers will look to avoid forcing the Brazilian straight away. Henderson will act as an attacking play maker while Gerrard and Lucas will drop back to do the dirty work.
Suarez + Sturridge:
The best attacking force or should I put it as the best strike partnership in all of England will step out at the Emirates looking to continue their impressive run of form.