Arsenal Vs Liverpool Tactical Preview: Team News, Key Men And Predicted XI | OneFootball

Arsenal host Liverpool in the 2nd leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday with both sides looking to book a place at the Wembley for the finals. Both the clubs drew 0-0 at Anfield last week to come into this game evenly poised knowing a win will take them through to the finals. Arsenal couldn’t field a team in the weekend for the North London derby due to suspension, injuries and absentees because of the AFCON but it is believed Mikel Arteta will be able to field a team on Thursday. Liverpool come into this game on the back of a 3-0 league win which will give them enough confidence to take the game on Arsenal in the 2nd leg.

Talking Tactics

Mikel Arteta is expected to make some changes to his tactics and go with a 3-4-3 formation with Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga in midfield. Arteta will like his wingbacks to push up the field and create opportunities for the attackers as well as use the pace of his front 3 while counter-attacking to hurt Liverpool against the run of play.

Jurgen Klopp will opt for his usual 4-3-3 formation and look to dominate the game throughout the 90 minutes. He will know that his players will need to be patient enough in order to break the deadlock as the Gunners have been brilliant defensively. Klopp will hope from his players to dominate the midfield battle and win as many 2nd balls as possible in order to hurt Arsenal with their blistering pace upfront.

Arsenal’s Scottish defender Kieran Tierney (R) runs away from Liverpool’s English defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (L) during the English League Cup semi-final first leg football match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield in Liverpool, north west England on January 13, 2022. – – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)The 4th Official uses images provided by the following image agency:

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Team News

Arsenal

Both Saka and Callum Chambers took a knock in the first leg but are expected to be fit ahead of their 2nd leg on Thursday. Cedric Soares will be missing due to a hip injury alongside Granit Xhaka who is suspended after picking up a red card. Mohammed Elneny and Nicolas Pepe are currently at the African Nations Cup whereas Aubameyang has returned but will not be playing due to health issues.

Arsenal Predicted XI

Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, Holding, Gabriel; Chambers, Lokonga, White, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Martinelli

Liverpool

The Reds will be missing Alex Oxlade Chamberlain after he suffered an ankle injury in the last game vs Brentford. The likes of Salah, Mane and Keita are currently on international duty and hence unavailable. Thiago will be out until the international break alongside Origi due to injury problems. Other than that Klopp will have a full squad to choose from on Thursday.

Liverpool Predicted XI

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Henderson, Jones; Minamino, Firmino, Jota

Key Men

Arsenal

The likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will be key for Arsenal to use their pace in counter-attacks and run in behind the high defensive line of Liverpool.

Liverpool

The midfield pair of Fabinho and Henderson will be key for the Reds as to how they are able to dictate the game. Firmino’s clever play will be crucial alongside Jota’s movement inside the box if Liverpool are to break the tight Arsenal defence on Thursday.