Arne Slot’s imperious start to life as Liverpool manager is set for its toughest test so far when they face fellow title challengers Arsenal.
Liverpool sit top of the table having won seven of their opening eight Premier League games this season.
But ahead of the showdown in north London, Slot has several selection headaches to contend with, both fitness and form-related.
Express Sport predict Liverpool’s starting XI for this weekend’s clash against Arsenal.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Arsenal (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Kelleher
As one of the best back-up goalkeepers in the Premier League, Caoimhin Kelleher has made a name for himself as Alisson Becker’s deputy, with the Irishman set to start between the sticks once again this weekend.
Defence: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
A sturdy backline has been one of the most impressive parts of Slot’s Liverpool so far this season, with the six-time European champions having conceded a league-low three goals.
Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk’s partnership has been key to that and the duo, if both fit, will start their eighth consecutive Premier League game besides each other this weekend.
There’ll be familiar faces on the flanks too, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson operating at right and left-back respectively.
Midfield: Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones
Ryan Gravenberch has been a revelation for Slot this season and his performances could end up saving Liverpool big bucks in the transfer market.
The Dutchman is expected to start in the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, alongside Alexis Mac Allister, who was named as a substitute for Sunday’s win over Chelsea.
It leaves one space left, which is likely to go to Curtis Jones after his man-of-the-match performance at the weekend ahead of the under-pressure Dominik Szoboszlai.
Attack: Salah, Nunez, Gakpo
With Diogo Jota expected to miss out with injury once again, Slot is likely to run the same attack that finished the game against Chelsea and started the midweek clash against RB Leipzig.
It would mark just the second start of the campaign for Darwin Nunez, whose goal against Leipzig proved the difference on Wednesday.
Mohamed Salah’s spot in the side isn’t under threat, while Cody Gakpo has featured in all eight league games so far, even though he’s yet to find the back of the net.
Liverpool predicted XI vs Arsenal: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Gakpo