Brendan Rodgers would have been bitterly disappointed that his side threw away two points against West Bromwich Albion last week. With a host of teams breathing down their necks for the chase for the Champions League spot, the Reds would not want to drop more points when Arsenal pay a visit on Saturday.
Liverpool have won only 1 game in their last 13 against Arsenal at Anfield and Rodgers will certainly want to improve on that record. While a loss could prove to be detrimental for Liverpool in achieving their objectives this season, a win on the other hand, could not only reinforce their hopes of a Champions League finish, but give the Reds an outside chance of winning the title as well.
Goalkeeper
Simon Mignolet was solid against West Bromwich Albion last week and managed to make some crucial saves. The Belgian goalkeeper was unlucky not to keep a clean sheet though and he will be desperately looking to keep the Arsenal attack at bay on Saturday with a good display.
Defence
Rodgers is still short on numbers at the back, with the likes of Jose Enrique and Daniel Agger still out injured, while Mamadou Sakho and Glen Johnson are not match fit as of yet. Therefore, the Reds manager could stick with the same back four that started against the Baggies last week.
Kolo Toure made a schoolboy error in the draw against West Brom and he will certainly be looking to make amends against his former side this weekend. The Ivorian will be partnered by Martin Skrtel in central defence while Jon Flanagan and Aly Cissokho look set to continue on the full-back positions.
Midfield
Lucas is still out injured, but Joe Allen has returned to full fitness and is a contender to make a start. It will be interesting to see if Rodgers decides to play the safer option of Allen in midfield to negate the threat of the Arsenal midfield or continue with the more adventurous Philippe Coutinho. Steven Gerrard and Jordan Henderson have almost been an ever-present in the Liverpool midfield and look certain to start.
Raheem Sterling has been in fine form and is starting to show maturity through his displays. The young man will start on the right flank for Liverpool.
Striker
The deadly duo of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge will be leading the line for the Reds. The flexible nature of the two players means that they will be interchanging positions between the wings and in front of goal throughout the game and they could cause a lot of problems to the solid Arsenal backline.
(4-5-1)
Mignolet; Cissokho, Skrtel, Toure, Flanagan; Sturridge, Henderson, Gerrard, Allen, Sterling; Suarez
