Hendrick: “I think we can go there and beat them,” Liverpool set for Arsenal test | OneFootball

Liverpool’s Midfield Strength Ready to Outclass Arsenal in Sunday’s Premier League Showdown

With a crucial Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal on the horizon, excitement is building amongst fans and pundits alike. In the latest episode of The Daily Red, an Anfield Index podcast, Dave Hendrick provided insights into Liverpool’s current form and assessed Arsenal’s challenges. Hendrick’s observations offer a detailed glimpse into both teams’ preparations and potential lineups, as Liverpool seeks to solidify its dominance under new manager Arne Slot.

Liverpool’s Form: A Solid Start to the Season

Liverpool’s form this season has been “brilliant,” as Hendrick highlighted, with the Reds sitting at the top of the Premier League table. With “11 wins from 12 games,” he emphasised Liverpool’s defensive robustness and overall performance, though he also acknowledged an underperformance in terms of expected goals. This high level of defensive stability, combined with a dynamic midfield, has been essential in maintaining Liverpool’s edge. Hendrick added, “The midfield…has outperformed most, if not all, expectations,” signalling an impressive start under Slot’s management.

Arsenal’s Defensive Woes: Injuries and Suspensions

Heading into the match, Arsenal finds itself facing significant issues in defence. Key players like William Saliba are suspended, while others, such as Takehiro Tomiyasu, are unavailable due to injury. “You take that many good defenders out of any team, and they’re going to have some issues,” remarked Hendrick. He predicted that Arsenal would likely reshuffle their defensive lineup, with Zinchenko or Partey covering critical roles in the back. However, Hendrick speculated that if Arsenal choose Zinchenko, it could leave them vulnerable to Liverpool’s relentless forward press.

Liverpool’s forward line is another concern for Arsenal’s weakened defence. As Hendrick expressed, “I think we can expose them,” and this might turn out to be a key element in Liverpool’s strategy, exploiting a defence that lacks the solidity of last season.

Liverpool’s Injury Concerns: Manageable Challenge

Despite being in top form, Liverpool isn’t at full strength either. Regular starters like Alisson and Diogo Jota remain sidelined. Hendrick noted the absence of other players, including Harvey Elliott and Connor Bradley, which, though manageable, slightly limits Liverpool’s depth. However, Hendrick remained optimistic about Liverpool’s capability to overcome these challenges, noting that Liverpool’s “current strength outweighs Arsenal’s defensive issues.”

Another talking point Hendrick addressed was Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ongoing injury. He revealed that Alexander-Arnold is “playing through the pain,” a testament to his commitment, though Hendrick acknowledged that Liverpool has been managing his minutes carefully to avoid further strain. Hendrick suggested that, if necessary, Joe Gomez could step in temporarily, offering more defensive coverage even though Liverpool would lose some of Alexander-Arnold’s offensive flair.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal’s Midfield Worries Without Odegaard

In the midfield, Arsenal will miss Martin Odegaard, their primary playmaker. Without Odegaard’s creative spark, Arsenal’s attack may struggle to break down Liverpool’s sturdy defence. Hendrick observed, “That’s their primary playmaker not available, that’s their captain not available,” signalling the critical gap in Arsenal’s playmaking setup. Liverpool’s midfield, led by Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, has been performing with grit and determination, further reinforcing the Reds’ chances of controlling the game.

Predictions for the Clash: Will Liverpool Prevail?

As Hendrick analysed Arsenal’s possible strategies, he didn’t shy away from questioning manager Mikel Arteta’s tactics. “He’s not escaping those Tony Pulis allegations anytime soon,” Hendrick joked, referring to Arteta’s conservative setup and heavy reliance on defensive players in midfield. If Arteta does opt for a defensively-oriented midfield, Liverpool’s attacking lineup, featuring the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez, is poised to take advantage. Hendrick highlighted the potential mismatches, stating, “Diaz will torture Thomas Partey…Darwin can run him up against Ben White who’s soft,” reinforcing his view that Liverpool has the upper hand.

As Hendrick wrapped up his preview, his confidence in Liverpool was evident: “I think we can go there and beat them.” With the Premier League title in mind, a win over Arsenal would be more than just a statement; it would be a testament to the Reds’ resilience and strategic superiority under Arne Slot. Given Liverpool’s consistency and Arsenal’s defensive frailties, all signs point to a thrilling encounter, with Liverpool well-positioned to continue its winning streak and move one step closer to reclaiming Premier League glory.