Arsenal at Liverpool preview: getting reacquainted

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to renew acquaintances on Monday, this time in the Premier League. The Gunners and the Reds have squared off twice in the last two months, in the league (a 2-1 Arsenal win) and in the Community Shield (Arsenal won on penalties). The two clubs will play again on Thursday, October 1st in the Carabao Cup 4th round. That’s a lot of more of Jurgen Klopp’s bunch than I’d like to see. Despite a bit of a dip in form from their absurd 26 wins from 27 matches to start last season, they’re still a very, very good team.

The Gunners may be catching a bit of a break; the Reds are a bit banged up heading into Monday’s contest. Jordan Henderson, Joel Matip, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all out. Joe Gomez is doubtful. Alisson and new signing Thiago Alcantara missed training recently and are questionable. Depending on who is fit, Arsenal could be facing Fabinho at centerback, where he deputized last week against Chelsea.

Arsenal are slowly but surely getting healthier. Kieran Tierney, who was a late scratch against West Ham, has returned to full training and should be available for selection. Emile Smith Rowe (shoulder) and Sokratis (calf) are out, not that they would have played if fit, but should return to full training next week. Pablo Mari is expected back in full training soon. Calum Chambers and Shkodran Mustafi should be back in full training in October. Gabriel Martinelli is still listed as returning “before the end of the calendar year.”

The Gunners are in the middle of a tough stretch of matches, and getting any kind of a result away to Liverpool would be a fantastic outcome. It’s a strange feeling to be staring down a match against arguably the best side in the Premier League and feeling confident that Arsenal are capable of managing a result. But Mikel Arteta has consistently shown that he gameplans well for tough matches and sets his side up with opponents’ strengths and weaknesses in mind. Liverpool just don’t have many of the latter.

Make sure you also check out Nathan’s Predicted XI, our Three Questions with The Liverpool Offside, and my answers to their questions too.

WHAT: Arsenal at Liverpool
WHERE: Anfield
WHEN: Monday, September 28th 12 PM PT | 3 PM ET | 8 PM BT
US TV: Not broadcast, Peacock only. NBC is offering a free, 7-day trial of their new streaming platform. Tomorrow might be a good time to take advantage of the offer.

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