Liverpool Face Arsenal Selection Crisis as Ekitike Injury Rocks Team Plans
Following another disappointing result over the weekend, Liverpool return to London on Thursday evening to face Premier League table-toppers Arsenal.
Liverpool's poor title defense means they're no longer in contention with Arsenal for the championship and are now simply fighting to secure Champions League football. The situation has reversed from last season, with the Gunners now holding the position as England's top side.
Arne Slot's second-campaign difficulties have persisted despite the current streak of nine games without a loss—consecutive draws against Leeds United and Fulham have done little to boost morale before the trip to north London.
Arsenal remain unbeaten at home this season and Liverpool face a tough challenge to become the first visiting team to triumph, given their inconsistent form and injury concerns.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
GK: Alisson—The Brazilian goalkeeper will face a busy evening at the Emirates, with special focus needed on Arsenal's dangerous set-piece situations. Alisson must dominate his penalty area against the league's dead-ball experts.
RB: Conor Bradley—Though Bradley possesses the pace to match Leandro Trossard, the Belgian's tactical awareness means the fullback must remain vigilant throughout the contest.
CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Arsenal's striker position remains their vulnerability as Viktor Gyökeres continues to struggle, though Konaté has also delivered several subpar performances this campaign.
CB: Virgil van Dijk—The Reds require their skipper to lead by example in a challenging environment against Europe's most organized team. A commanding display is essential against Arsenal's diverse attacking options.
LB: Milos Kerkez—The Hungarian faces a daunting task against Bukayo Saka on Thursday in what promises to be a difficult matchup. Andy Robertson's declining pace virtually guarantees the summer signing will start despite mixed performances.
DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Facing an elite midfield combination of Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi, Liverpool need Gravenberch performing at peak level. His ability to resist pressure and defensive positioning will be crucial in disrupting the Gunners.
DM: Curtis Jones—Slot has chosen to pack his team with central midfielders to improve defensive stability, giving Jones a series of starting opportunities. The academy graduate shows great work rate but questions persist about his ability to elevate from solid to exceptional.
AM: Alexis Mac Allister—The World Cup winner's regression has contributed significantly to Liverpool's struggles, with the Argentine still searching for his best form. Regardless of his positioning, he's performing below his usual standards.
RW: Dominik Szoboszlai—The tireless Hungarian, who has been Liverpool's standout Premier League performer, has operated on the right wing since Mohamed Salah's Africa Cup of Nations departure and this arrangement will likely continue.
ST: Cody Gakpo—With Hugo Ekitiké's fitness in serious doubt and his availability looking slim, Slot may deploy Gakpo as the central striker once more. The Dutchman found the net at the weekend in a position he frequently occupied under Jürgen Klopp.
LW: Florian Wirtz—The German has emerged as Liverpool's primary creative outlet recently, contributing two goals and one assist across four appearances. The Reds will depend on their playmaker to produce moments of brilliance in London.
