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The Premier League returns this weekend with one of its biggest fixtures so far as Liverpool take on an in-form Arsenal side at Anfield. Both sides have their strengths and weaknesses and the stage is set for an excellent battle this Monday.
Liverpool have won both their games in the Premier League so far and picked up a crucial 2-0 victory against Chelsea last week. Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah have done a bulk of the scoring for Jurgen Klopp's side and will play pivotal roles going into this game.
Arsenal have also maintained a perfect record in the first two weeks of the new campaign and look like a rejuvenated side under Mikel Arteta. The Gunners have discovered their defensive bearings with the Spaniard at the helm and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been as effervescent as ever.
With Liverpool rediscovering the form that made them Premier League champions last season and Arsenal going from strength to strength over the past few weeks, this game is unlikely to disappoint and will feature several key battles all across the pitch.
#5 Thiago vs Granit Xhaka
While both teams thrive on the flanks and have excellent wingers, the midfield battle between Granit Xhaka and Thiago is likely to control the tempo of the game. Xhaka has grown immensely under Mikel Arteta and is often the beating heart of an Arsenal team that relies heavily on keeping the ball.
The Swiss international will be up against one of the best midfielders in the world, however, and Thiago Alcantara's sheer magic on the pitch has been well-documented at Bayern Munich. The Spaniard also had a positive debut for Liverpool last week and will become more dangerous as he settles into Jurgen Klopp's tactical setup.
With Jordan Henderson ruled out of this game, Thiago is likely to start for Liverpool and Granit Xhaka will have to be wary of the Spaniard's ability to pierce through the midfield. WIth Thiago on the pitch, Liverpool can be a dominant force throughout the game and it will be up to Granit Xhaka to stop the talented midfielder.
#4 Sadio Mane vs Hector Bellerin
While Mohamed Salah might have marginally better numbers, the extraordinary importance of Sadio Mane cannot be understated. Liverpool's Senegalese forward always seems to step up against the best teams in the Premier League and his ability to take his side across the finish line will worry Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin has enjoyed an extended stay in the Gunners' starting eleven and is one of the few players in the Premier League who can match Sadio Mane for pace. The Spanish full-back is prone to mistakes, however, and will have to be at his best against the Liverpool superstar.
Hector Bellerin is also known for his ability in the final third and might be able to thwart Mane's runs with forward forays of his own. The Arsenal right-back has managed to keep Sadio Mane quiet in the past and will face an uphill task yet again on Monday.
Also Read: Top 10 attacking trios in football history
#3 Alexandre Lacazette vs Virgil van Dijk
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.
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 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 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 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.
Also Read: Premier League 2019/20: Team of the season
