8-g/a in 12 games: Arsenal have trump card vs Liverpool in £48m star, unleash him on Sunday
Arsenal face off against Liverpool in Sunday’s much-awaited Premier League game at Anfield.
Ahead of the encounter, manager Mikel Arteta has a selection headache on his hands.
Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka are ruled out with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.
Martin Odegaard is likewise a big doubt after a shoulder concern against Leeds United.
Hence, the manager will need to field a new-look frontline versus Arne Slot’s side.
In our view, Gabriel Martinelli must get the nod on the left wing due to his track record against the Reds.
The £48 million-rated star has notched up six goals and two assists from just 12 meetings.
He got the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past with his quick pace and dribbling skills.
Alexander-Arnold is no longer in the ranks of Liverpool, but the right side of the Reds’ defence remains a position to exploit for Arsenal at Anfield this weekend.
With Jeremie Frimpong injured, Dominik Szoboszlai played as a makeshift right-back against the Magpies until the 80th minute when Conor Bradley was introduced.
The Hungarian had a good passing accuracy of 89 percent but won just one ground duel and lost possession seven times. Arsenal are bound to target him.
Martinelli was an unused substitute last weekend, but should be drafted into the XI on the left flank.
The Ituano graduate possesses the pace to unsettle the Reds’ backline on the counter-attack compared to Leandro Trossard, who is known for his dribbling and clever movements.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke or Ethan Nwaneri could start on the right wing in Saka’s absence.
Eberechi Eze has been brought in to compete for different attacking positions, but he is most comfortable playing as an attacking midfielder from his Crystal Palace days.
Unless Odegaard is fully fit, Arsenal may not take any risks with him on Sunday. There is a high possibility that Eze could make his full club debut from the number 10 role.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
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