Liverpool vs Arsenal: 5 key battles to watch out for | Premier League 2020-21

#3 Alexandre Lacazette vs Virgil van Dijk

Virgil van Dijk has a history against Lacazette

Virgil van Dijk may well be one of the best defenders in the world but his record against Arsenal does not particularly inspire confidence. The Liverpool defender was the culprit in the previous Premier League meeting between the two sides and Alexandre Lacazette was one of his chief tormentors.

Arsenal's French striker pounced on an uncharacteristic Van Dijk error to score the first goal of the game when Arsenal faced a newly-crowned Liverpool side last season. Virgil van Dijk also made an error in the first game of the new campaign against Leeds United and will need to be his best self against Arsenal.

Virgil van Dijk lost all five of his aerials in the first half against Chelsea.Getting dominated in the air. pic.twitter.com/gPXi74t8D4

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) September 20, 2020

The Dutch defender is near-invincible at his best and Liverpool rely heavily on their talismanic centre-back to bail them out of difficult situations. Arsenal will pose a threat on the counter and Virgil van Dijk's organisational skills will be tested in this game.

---

#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang vs Trent Alexander-Arnold

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can be lethal

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been one of Arsenal's most consistent match-winners over the past two seasons and is often the fulcrum of the Gunners' attacking play. The Gabonese striker is equipped with lethal pace and will be Arsenal's chief threat going into this game.

With Lacazette occupying a central role, the Arsenal captain often drifts towards the left flank and makes frequent runs towards the byline. Trent Alexander-Arnold will face a direct battle with Aubameyang is this game and will have to use every ounce of pace at his disposal to keep up with the Gunners forward.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has not been at his best so far this season and was caught out of position on several occasions in Liverpool's opening Premier League game against Leeds United. The prodigious English right-back will face a litmus test against the Arsenal captain and might not be able to express himself in the final third with Aubameyang on the pitch.

---

#1 Mohamed Salah vs Kieran Tierney

Mohamed Salah has an excellent record at Anfield

Mohamed Salah started the new Premier League campaign in the best possible fashion with an incredible hat-trick against Leeds United and has a brilliant record at Anfield. The Egyptian forward needs only half a chance to get on to the scoresheet and his sheer pace and technique are sure to send shivers down Arsenal's spine.

Arsenal do have a potentially excellent solution to the problems that Mohamed Salah will pose and will rely on talented left-back Kieran Tierney to keep the Liverpool star quiet. The Scottish defender has started in a back three in Mikel Arteta's system and has endeared himself to the Arsenal fanbase with some mature and reliable performances.

Mohamed Salah is "underappreciated" but the statistics show he is destined for Premier League greatness.

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 19, 2020

Mohamed Salah is known for his ability to punish the slightest of mistakes and Kieran Tierney will have to put in a flawless performance for Mikel Arteta. The Scotsman has been a revelation for the Gunners and his intelligence on the pitch may well prevent Mohamed Salah from having a strong influence on the game.

---