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Premier League Preview: Red-hot Liverpool host stuttering Arsenal

The Gunners have Alexis Sanchez back, but will the Chilean’s presence be enough?

Premier League Preview: Red-hot Liverpool host stuttering Arsenal

Liverpool seem to be scoring goals for fun and have Arsenal in their crosshairs next, for the Gunners visit Anfield for a crunch Premier League clash on Sunday.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are on a three-match win streak (all competitions) and against an Arsenal side that seem to be all over the place, are heavy favourites.

It isn’t all gloom for the Gunners, however, for they are set to welcome Alexis Sanchez back into the side. The Chilean’s presence cannot be underestimated but it remains to be seen if he can galvanise a side that seemed shorn of confidence after their loss to Stoke last week.

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Liverpool

The Reds have been sensational in attack, with their dismantling of Hoffenheim in the Champions League a highlight.

It’s been a good week for Liverpool and their captain Jordan Henderson! (Photo: AFP)

However, Liverpool have a familiar chink in the armour: their defence.

Whether it’s a set-piece or open play, they look vulnerable while defending. Dejan Lovren is the weak link in their back-line and the Croatian will surely be targeted by Arsenal come Sunday.

Their blistering attack is another matter altogether, and against a creaky Arsenal defence should run riot.

Emre Can hasn’t been too shabby in midfield either! (Photo: AFP)

Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in particular have been terrific in recent weeks and the two speedsters will once again, along with Roberto Firmino, form a menacing attack triumvirate at Anfield.

Talking Corner: At Anfield it is always a special night and I think we showed what we can do over here. It is electric, that is what Anfield is about and this is where we belong-Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet

Injury concerns: Trent-Alexander Arnold (dead leg), Mamadou Sakho (knee), Nathaniel Clyne (knee), Emre Can (knock), Philippe Coutinho (back), Adam Lallana (thigh) and Danny Ings (knee)

Suspension Alert: None

Arsenal

Not just Sanchez, but centre-back Laurent Koscielny too is set to feature at Anfield and with the return of the duo, Arsenal have a fighting chance.

Arsene Wenger’s interesting choice of defenders for the Stoke defeat was taken apart by fans and critics alike and he will be wary of employing Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac in a three-man defensive system.

Switching to a back-four with Koscielny available is an option too but it’s not like their defence is the only concern.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been excellent so far, but will the wantaway Englishman start on Sunday (Photo: AFP)

Mesut Ozil has begun the season like he ended the last, guilty of some uninspiring performances and the German will have to put in plenty of graft to match his undoubted craft if Arsenal are to grab a point or three.

For while club-record signing Alexandre Lacazette is a fine forward, players like him thrive on quality support, something the Frenchman was deprived of against Stoke.

Lacazette was controversially disallowed a goal at Stoke (Photo: AFP)

Sanchez’s return, however, should see them improve on that front, but it remains to be seen if the Chilean starts outright or comes on in the second-half.

Talking Corner: I don’t focus too much on individual players, the most important thing is if our team performance is right. If that is right then we always have individuals who can make a difference, so let’s focus more on how well we want to play as a team-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (as per www.arsenal.com)

Injury concerns: Calum Chambers (groin) and Santi Cazorla (ankle)

Suspension Alert: None

Super Stat: It’s been five years since Arsenal last won at Anfield – a 2-0 victory back in September 2012!

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