Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has predicted his old side will come out on top against Liverpool this weekend, describing the game as a "great opportunity" for the Gunners.
The Reds have gone through an inconsistent start to the season in the early months of the campaign. Jurgen Klopp’s side have won just two Premier League fixtures out of seven, and are without a victory in their last two matches.
In the Champions League, after losing 4-1 to Napoli in their opening match, Liverpool have won back to back fixtures against Ajax and Napoli. Despite this, there are still some criticisms in certain aspects of the squad.
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Gallas has outlined the form of Trent Alexander-Arnold and the departure of Sadio Mane as reasons for Liverpool’s struggles. The ex-defender went on to preview this weekend’s league match against Arsenal.
The former centre-back, who made 142 appearances for the Gunners, has explained why he's backing his old club to beat Liverpool on Sunday.
“I think it would be a big disappointment if Arsenal fail to beat Liverpool at The Emirates, especially after their victory against Tottenham,” Gallas told Genting Casino. “When you see the performances of Liverpool this season, at the weekend against Brighton, it is a great opportunity to beat them.
“Liverpool are struggling at the moment. The performance against Brighton didn't surprise me because they look like a different team this season. There have been warning signs all season.
“They look weaker without Mane. At the back, they have been really, really poor. Alexander-Arnold is struggling. The problem with Liverpool is that almost every goal is coming from Alexander-Arnold’s side of the pitch. He is playing far too high.
“His first job is to defend very well. How many goals have Liverpool conceded from his mistakes? Nobody talks about this when you’re winning games.
“Liverpool were on fire, winning games, winning trophies and the number of assists he registered was magnificent, but these errors were always in his game. For Arsenal, this is the right time to play Liverpool.”
Asked for his prediction ahead of the weekend's game, Gallas replied: "In the last game, I said 3-2 to Arsenal. I will back Arsenal to win this game, that is for sure. I think 3-1 to Arsenal because it will be an open game. Arsenal must take advantage of the shape that Liverpool are in."
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