Arsenal vs. Liverpool match thread: midterm exam

I said in the preview that I’m not going to take too much away from today’s match, regardless of the result. That’s mostly true. The only caveat, however, is that if Arsenal do manage a win, they are clearly going to win the league, right?

If the Gunners do struggle, it won’t bother me. Sokratis is hurt. Nacho Monreal is hurt. Hector Bellerin and Sead Kolasinac faced late fitness tests to be ready for today’s match. The defense is not at full strength, and when you play Liverpool, you need all the defense you can muster.

Liverpool are without Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson, but that won’t take much away from their attack. They’ve still got Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah. Salah is still struggling to recapture last season’s form, but he is still generating chances at a similar rate. He’s just not converting them as efficiently right now. For Arsenal’s sake, I hope that particular trend continues. Salah gave Arsenal fits last year with his movement and pace - I wonder what adjustments, if any, Unai Emery will make to slow him (and the rest of Liverpool’s attack) down.

I continue to believe Lucas Torreira is the key man for Arsenal today. His ability to disrupt play, win the ball back, and distribute it to the midfield is critical to the Gunners’ success. If he has an off day, Arsenal could concede 3 or 4.

Here are today’s lineups:

Arsenal - Leno, Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Mkhitaryan, Özil, Aubameyang, Lacazette

Liverpool - Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Milner, Wijnaldum, Mane, Salah, Firmino

WHAT: Arsenal vs. Liverpool

WHERE: The Emirates

WHEN: Saturday, November 3rd, 10:30 AM PT | 1:30 PM ET | 5:30 PM BT

US TV: NBC. Stream here.

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