Premier League football returns this weekend and Arsenal entertain Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday night in one of the outstanding matches.
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Domestically, both sides have had a season to forget so far. However, both teams still have the chance to finish their campaigns at a height if they can continue and win European competitions. The Gunners face Slavia Prague next Thursday in the first stage of the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals and Liverpool have little question of a Champions League match with Real Madrid on the horizon.
Artetas Gunners is currently in ninth, four points behind the reigning champions who sit seventh. A win for each side would increase their chances of securing a European place for next season, which could significantly affect what they can spend in the upcoming transfer window.
Here is a 90 min preview of the fixture.
When is it? Saturday, April 3, 2021What time is running? 20.00 (GMT)Where is it played? Emirates StadiumTV channel: Sky Sports Main Event & Premier LeagueJudge: Martin AtkinsonWHERE: Jon Moss
Mikel Arteta says that there is no “big news” regarding the condition of his squad, and many have not yet been fully evaluated after the international break. He confirmed that Bukayo Saka had not yet trained with the team following a question that led to him not being available for England. Emile Smith Rowe suffers from discomfort in the hip area and therefore the duo may be missing for Arsenal this weekend.
Saka is unlikely to be available this weekend Chloe Knott – Danehouse / Getty Images
Jurgen Klopp’s side continues to be without any of their long-term absentees, including Virgil van Dijk, Jordan Henderson and Joe Gomez. Divock Origi, Roberto Firmino and Caoimhin Kelleher are all expected to face fitness tests before the trip down to London.
Arsenal: Leno; Bellerin, D. Luiz, Gabriel, Tierney; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Aubameyang; Lacazette
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Thiago; Salah, Jota, Mane.
Despite Liverpool’s fight this season, Mohamed Salah has scored 17 goals in the Premier League this season | Matthew Ashton – AMA / Getty Images
Arsenal
West Ham 3-3 Arsenal – 21/3/2021Arsenal 0-1 Olympiacos – 18/3/2021Arsenal 2-1 Tottenham – 14/3 / 2021Olympiacos 1-3 Arsenal – 11/3 / 2021Burnley 1-1 Arsenal – 20/06/2021
Liverpool
Wolves 0-1 Liverpool – 15/3/2021Liverpool 2-0 RB Leipzig – 20/10/2021Liverpool 0-1 Fulham – 2012-03-03Liverpool 0-1 Chelsea – 4/3 / 2021Sheffield United 0-2 Liverpool – 28/2/2021
? in action this weekend ⏳ # LFC | #ARSLIV pic.twitter.com/a8d1Ozr1ef
– Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 1, 2021
These two sides have lost 20 Premier League matches between them this season and no one can afford to lose additional ground on those currently occupying European positions.
While both managers, contrary to what they say publicly, will have an eye on Europe, Liverpool’s big collision with Real Madrid will come a few days earlier than the Gunners’ European match. Arteta has a strong record against Klopp, having beaten him in three of his four meetings so far.
Liverpool are far from the formidable side they once were, despite still having plenty of talent, and Arsenal have shown signs of improvement recently. However, the consequences of losing a match like this can be detrimental to both teams and goals in the Premier League.
Considering all of the above, we can see a more cagey meeting than most people expect and therefore a draw feels a likely outcome.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
