Arsenal have had plenty of big tests this season, but it doesn't get too much bigger than a trip to Anfield with a Premier League title on the line.
On paper the Gunners are probably favourites for this with a 29-point gap over Jurgen Klopp's side. Despite it all though, Liverpool's home record is the third best in the division, and nothing can be taken for granted.
With that in mind it's absolutely crucial that Mikel Arteta gets his team selection right. Thankfully for him football.london's Arsenal writers Kaya Kaynak and Tom Canton are on hand to help him out.
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Kaya Kaynak - Chief Arsenal writer
I think the back five is pretty much set for Arsenal. No changes there for me. I get the argument in favour of Kieran Tierney over Alex Zinchenko for defensive solidity, but as far as I'm concerned the latter has to start in order to give Arsenal the control they'll need to win this game.
In midfield it's the same three of Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard. I'm expecting Arsenal to flood the middle in order to try and win the midfield battle, so that trio will be crucial.
Up front Bukayo Saka is a dead cert to start for me assuming he's fully recovered from the illness that kept him out last week. That means one of the front three that started last week will have to be dropped.
For me it's got to be Leandro Trossard who misses out. It's really harsh on the Belgian who's been absolutely superb since his arrival, but Gabriel Jesus' big game experience will be essential and Gabriel Martinelli's record against Trent Alexander-Arnold just about secures him the nod.
Kaynak's Arsenal XI vs Liverpool - Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
Tom Canton - Arsenal writer
There are three big decisions that need to be made by Mikel Arteta for this game. Two in defence and one in the forward line.
Beginning at the back Arteta refused to confirm the identity of the player who could return from injury to training ahead of the trip to Anfield. However, assuming it is William Saliba, a decision on whether to risk him with his back injury has to be called right and I would personally be inclined not to risk the Frenchman who could then be ready for the remaining games of the season and so Rob Holding keeps his place.
The other position is whether to bring the better defensive full-back Kieran Tierney into the side. Takehiro Tomiyasu played brilliantly in the home clash but Oleksandr Zinchenko’s return and establishment are unlikely to be shaken even in this game.
Lastly, how do you solve a problem like Leandro Trossard? Seven assists since arriving, a hat-trick at Anfield this season and yet the front three should remain Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus after last weekend’s brace from the Brazilian and Arteta confirming his starting right-winger is now fully ready.
Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Saka.
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