Arsenal vs. Liverpool match thread: not in the face

I don’t have a good feeling about today. I’m usually positive about Arsenal’s chances, even when they may be slim, but I’m dreading this one. I just get the feeling that Liverpool, who have been lackluster since clinching the title, will want to make a statement. Fullback Andy Robertson said as much recently.

When they’re on their game, Liverpool are much better than Arsenal. But they have markedly not been on their game lately, which gives me a glimmer of hope that they may have checked out for the rest of the Premier League season. Perhaps the Gunners will be able to capitalize on that.

Mesut Özil is being assessed for “back soreness” that has been the stated reason for his non-inclusion in the last six matches. Özil’s “I’m ready” tweet yesterday may have raised some eyebrows, but I don’t think it’s an indicator that he’ll be in the squad today. There’s been no news on a reconciliation with Matteo Guendouzi, so I don’t expect him in the matchday squad. Eddie Nketiah will serve the 2nd of his 3 match red-card ban. Bernd Leno is hoping to return to full training before the end of the season. Calum Chambers, Pablo Mari, and Gabriel Martinelli are all out for the rest of this season.

Liverpool are likely to be without James Milner who is recovering from a minor muscle injury. There’s an outside shot he’ll be fit to face the Gunners tomorrow, but it looks more likely he’ll return to action against Chelsea next week, per Jurgen Klopp. Everyone else who has been available for the Reds during the restart will be available.

Arsenal - Martinez, Holding, David Luiz, Cedric, Torreira, Xhaka, Tierney, Pepe, Lacazette, Saka, Nelson

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

WHAT: Arsenal vs. Liverpool
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: 12:15 PM PT | 3:15 PM ET | 8:15 PM BT
US TV: Streaming on Peacock. Here’s a bit more about NBC’s new platform as it affects Premier League broadcasts for next season. Additionally, if you sign up for a Peacock account from an Android device, you get three months of the with-ads service for free.

For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccer.tv. Please do not share or discuss links to illegal streams here.

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