Mac Allister and Bradley Set to Spark Liverpool's Arsenal Clash in Crucial Early Title Showdown

Liverpool aim to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign when they welcome title contenders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.

The Merseyside club has been imperfect in frantic wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle United, with concerning defensive lapses nearly proving decisive. Liverpool have given up commanding two-goal advantages in both fixtures, depending on crucial late strikes to secure maximum points.

Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha emerged as unexpected heroes off the substitutes' bench in the first two games but neither will be included in Arne Slot's starting eleven against last campaign's second-place finishers Arsenal. The Netherlands coach is expected to make minimal changes from the squad that secured victory at St James' Park but will demand a far more dominant performance considering the quality of this weekend's opponents.

Here is how the Reds might set up at Anfield for this crucial examination.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)

GK: Alisson—Alisson has been faultless during Liverpool's concerning defensive displays and will expect better from his teammates against an Arsenal team that recently scored five against Leeds United.

RB: Conor Bradley—Dominik Szoboszlai performed admirably at right-back versus Newcastle but Bradley, who appeared as a substitute against the Magpies, has been declared fit to start against Arsenal. He should get the nod with Jeremie Frimpong sidelined.

CB: Ibrahima Konaté—Several worrying displays from Konaté against Bournemouth and Newcastle will trouble Liverpool fans—and increase anticipation for the Marc Guéhi transfer to be completed.

CB: Virgil van Dijk—Van Dijk delivered an outstanding showing against Newcastle and topped the match statistics with 14 defensive actions. He faces a stern challenge from Viktor Gyökeres on Sunday, with the Swedish striker finding the net twice last weekend.

LB: Milos Kerkez—The former Bournemouth player has endured a difficult start to his Liverpool tenure but will welcome news of Bukayo Saka's unavailability for Sunday. Nevertheless, he's expected to face a test from the skillful Noni Madueke.

DM: Ryan Gravenberch—Gravenberch failed to find the net for the Reds last campaign but got off the mark this season against Newcastle with a superb effort. He may be assigned to contain debutant Eberechi Eze on Sunday, with skipper Martin Ødegaard's fitness uncertain.

DM: Alexis Mac Allister—Slot has confirmed Mac Allister's return to availability after missing the Newcastle encounter through injury. His absence was significant in midfield as he serves as Liverpool's rhythm controller.

RW: Mohamed Salah—Salah boasts 15 goal contributions across 18 previous encounters with Arsenal, including a memorable strike in Chelsea colors. While not yet at his devastating peak this season, he remains crucial in attacking areas.

AM: Florian Wirtz—Sunday's match could mark Wirtz's breakthrough performance following a quiet beginning to his Liverpool stint. The Reds shattered their transfer record for the German hoping he would deliver in such significant encounters.

LW: Cody Gakpo—Ngumoha represents the future but Gakpo is the current choice on Liverpool's left flank. He's already recorded one goal and two assists in the Premier League and is flourishing without pressure from Luis Díaz.

ST: Hugo Ekitiké—Unlike Wirtz, Ekitiké has been clinical from the outset of his Liverpool adventure. He's scored in his previous three appearances, all showcasing excellent composure inside the penalty box.