Liverpool v Arsenal: Predicted XI, Alisson selected

The match with Arsenal is Liverpool’s 7th of 9 games before the November international break. Therefore, expect Andoni Iraola to continue to rotate heavily and go back to a pretty standard lineup for recent EPL matches. In fact, this is the exact same lineup used against Brighton so it’s a good bet he will go for it again

Our predicted Liverpool starting XI vs Arsenal

Iraola will go with his traditional 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen the Reds win 5 on the bounce. He is projected to go back to his typical EPL lineup after letting younger players have minutes in the Carabao Cup

Predicted Liverpool XI (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Ronald Araújo, Virgil van Dijk, Jérémy Jacquet, Milos Kerkez, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Rio Ngumoha, Florian Wirtz, Bradley Barcola, Alexander Isak.

Liverpool bench: Federico Chiesa, Giorgi Mamardashvili, Harvey Davies, James McConnell, Jayden Danns, Joe Gomez, Joshua Sonni-Lambie, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Lewis Koumas, Luke Chambers, Michael Laffey, Trey Nyoni, Wellity Lucky.

Key selection calls: Defence, midfield and attack

Liverpool have won 5 games on the bounce, and with a big game vs. the defending champs, you don’t want to tweak things too much. I think the biggest call in this prediction is having Ronald Araújo start on the backline once again after putting in pressure minutes vs. Chelsea in the Carabao Cup. You start to worry about too many minutes this early in the season. 

However, Araújo has established himself as the best defender on the team, so he needs to play vs. Arsenal. The midfield selections remain consistent with Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch, though that could change if Dominik Senzoboszlai is healthy enough to play.  

Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz, and Rio Nugumoha are quickly becoming a feared front line for the Reds that bring back memories of Salah, Mane, and Origi. 

Up top at striker, Alexander Isak does not score the flashiest of goals, but he puts the ball in the back of the net, which is what you want from a striker at the top of a 4-2-3-1 formation

Selection dilemmas and game-changers off the bench

The above lineup is the best the boss has if Szoboszlai cannot play due to injury. If he can, Szoboszlai will come in for Gravenberch, though. The versatile midfielder will likely push higher up the pitch when called upon, and he is always dangerous from set pieces. 

Trey Nyoni is becoming a favourite off the bench, and he could have another massive impact vs. the Gunners. Gody Gakpo played most of last game out of position and struggled. It would not surprize me to see the Dutchman come on late for Barcola in his more natural spot and try to regain some form.

LFC Globe Verdict and pick your starting XI

Andoni Iraola tried to downplay the importance of this match in his press conference, but with Man City losing to Brighton on Halloween, Liverpool can climb back in the EPL title race. I think that urgency will be reflected in the Starting XI as Liverpool will push for all three points at Anfield.

Have your say

This is one of the biggest matches of the season so far. Do you also expect Iraola to put the top talent on the pitch? Let us know below.