Jurgen Klopp's charges suffered a shock defeat last time out, going down 3-1 against relegation-threatened and manager-less Leicester City at the King Power Stadium. It was an unwanted setback for the Reds, who had the chance to climb into the top four as Manchester United and Arsenal missed a Premier League gameweek but instead sit outside the Champions League spots after their dire display against the champions. The one positive for Liverpool ahead of Saturday's showdown is their results against their fellow top-six teams this term - Klopp's men have not yet lost to Chelsea, United, Arsenal, Manchester City or Tottenham Hotspur - but they will need to be at their best to maintain such a record this weekend.
Arsenal were not in action last weekend, with their scheduled Premier League opponents Southampton instead taking part in the final of the EFL Cup, which they lost 3-2 to Manchester United. Liverpool's loss to Leicester means the Gunners remain in the top four heading into this weekend's encounter, though, with Arsene Wenger primarily focusing on securing a Champions League spot between now and the end of the campaign in May. The Frenchman's record in leading the Gunners into Europe's foremost continental competition year after year is excellent, but this season could prove to be his toughest challenge yet.
Liverpool will have to make do without Danny Ings (knee) and Ovie Ejaria (ankle), while Jordan Henderson (foot) is a major doubt. Daniel Sturridge has recovered from illness and could return to the matchday squad, although he will almost certainly have to make do with a place on the substitutes' bench as Klopp sticks with his favoured front three of Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho. At the back, Dejan Lovren will almost certainly return in place of Lucas Leiva, who proved thoroughly unable to deal with the speed and movement of Jamie Vardy on Monday night.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be unable to call upon the services of Santi Cazorla (leg) and Mohamed Elneny (ankle) for Saturday's trip to the northwest, but Aaron Ramsey has regained full fitness and could be involved from the start. Alexis Sanchez will ensure the north Londoners carry a threat on the counter-attack, so too Alex Iwobi and Theo Walcott on the flanks, while No. 10 Mesut Ozil offers creatvity and invention in between the opposition's lines of midfield and defence.
Taking everything into account, it is probably worth backing Liverpool to come out on top at Anfield this weekend. The Reds have an excellent record against their closest competitors and are perfectly set up to cause Arsenal problems, which is why a home victory looks like the way to go in the result market. The Gunners should at least get on the scoresheet, though, while Coutinho would be a good option to find the back of the net before any other player.
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