Arsenal vs. Liverpool match thread: back in action

Today’s Arsenal-Liverpool match doesn’t have quite the luster of past meetings between the clubs. Both sides are having “down” years in the table, but the contest should still be an interesting one. Liverpool are battling to get back into the Champions League places; Arsenal are fighting to keep their faint hopes of a Europa League finish alive. And not to say either team will overlook today’s match, but both clubs have European ties in the upcoming midweek that are far more important in the grand scheme of the season.

The Gunners have won three of the last four meetings between the clubs, but two of those were on penalties, in the Community Shield and the League Cup. Liverpool bested Arsenal 3-1 in the Premier League back in September. The Gunners beat the Reds 2-1 during the Restart.

Liverpool have made a habit of scoring multiple goals against Arsenal of late, often three or more. Despite their dip in form from last season and all the injuries on the back end, this Liverpool side is still more than capable of banging in the goals. It’s on the other end of the pitch where they can be had; I expect Arsenal’s attack to find some joy and generate at least a handful of chances.

Arsenal have some player availability question marks coming into today’s match: Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Emile Smith Rowe (quad / thigh) both face late fitness tests to determine their availability. Granit Xhaka felt ill, missed Friday training, and may not be available. David Luiz is out with a knee issue.

For Liverpool, Roberto Firmino, who missed the last three Premier League matches, is available for selection. Jordan Henderson is out, continuing his rehab from groin surgery. DIvock Origi and Caoimhin Kelleher are both out, as are the Reds’ long-term absentees Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, and Joel Matip.

Arsenal - Leno, Chambers, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Ceballos, Pepe, Odegaard, Aubameyang, Lacazette

Liverpool - Alison, Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Kabak, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Milner, Mane, Salah, Firmino

WHAT: Arsenal vs. Liverpool
WHERE: The Emirates
WHEN: Saturday, April 3rd 12 PM PT | 3 PM ET | 8 PM BT
US TV: NBCSN. Stream here (TV provider log-in) and FuboTV ($$$).

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

The Short Fuse has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence editorial content, though Vox Media may earn commissions for products purchased via affiliate links.