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Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield tonight in the standout Premier League fixture of the weekend. The Reds are desperate to return to winning ways after dropping points in their last two games, while the Gunners are flying high after breathing new life into their campaign.
However, their renaissance faces its toughest examination yet, with the Gunners losing each of their last five games away to the Reds, conceding at least thrice. They're only two points behind Jurgen Klopp's troops in fifth place on the table, so it will be interesting to see what the London-based side has in store this time.
Liverpool, who saw their unbeaten run end with a 3-2 loss at West Ham, are eager to get their own campaign up and running again with pole position in sight. Ahead of the kick-off, let's look at the five key players who could shape the outcome of the clash:
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#5 Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
A serious knee injury in October last year saw Virgil van Dijk miss the remainder of the 2020/21 campaign as well as Euro 2020 with the Netherlands. However, with fitness now achieved, the towering centre-back is back to his best, playing every minute of their Premier League season thus far.
An exceptional game-reader with ball-playing capabilities and a penchant for making crunch tackles, the Dutchman has restored normalcy to Liverpool's backline after their torrid run earlier this year.
He averages 3.3 clearances per game and has laid the most passes in the league this season (817) behind only Joao Cancelo (862), demonstrating his sweeper skills.
A spirited Arsenal will be a real test of his mettle.
#4 Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
A revelation in Arsenal's squad this season, sky's the limit for Emile Smith Rowe, who's struck in each of his last three league games. His form was so impressive before the international break that Gareth Southgate called him up for the national set-up, and the youngster scored and assisted on his debut too!
It will surely add more pep in his step, with Smith Rowe returning to the club with confidence emboldened ahead of this blockbuster clash. An Arsenal product, the 21-year-old's pace and directness will have Liverpool's task cut out, while his understanding of the game will be key to breaking the home side open.
#3 Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
A decline in form, coupled with an injury, blighted Trent Alexander-Arnold's first half of the 2021 calendar year. But he's hit all the right notes in the 2021/22 season thus far.
Having regained his swagger back, the 23-year-old has gone hell for leather, assisting four times in 10 league games, before a hat-trick of assists in England's 10-0 demolition of San Marino.
His attacking output has, in fact, gone through the roof, averaging 1.72 chances created per 90 minutes this season, slightly more than 1.45 last year, and with an xG assists of 4.10
Just for context, Bruno Fernandes is second with 2.66!
Against Arsenal too, Alexander-Arnold's creativity will be essential in finding the net. It will be interesting to see how the visitors, who haven't conceded in their last three games, cope with his threat.
#2 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
Arsenal's upturn in form has co-incided with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang returning to his best, contributing nine goals from 11 games in all competitions.
Five of them have come in the Premier League, with the Gabonese hitman netting four times and making one assist to emerge as their attacking talisman.
Renowned for pace, finishing, athleticism and off-the-ball movement, Aubameyang will look to twist Liverpool's defense inside out.
His goalscoring record against them, however, is poor, netting only twice in 11 games. He did score a sweet goal in a Community Shield match a few years ago, however.
#1 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
Mohamed Salah's blistering scoring rate has dwindled lately, with the star failing to find the net in three consecutive games after scoring in 10 on the trot.
But he still boasts 15 goals and six assists in 15 games across all competitions, including 10 in the league, more than anyone as he looks for his third Golden Boot.
Hounding defenses like a pitbull with his high press and ability to barge into pockets of space, Salah is second to none when he's at his best.
Perhaps his incredible record against the Gunners might inspire another ruthless streak, with the Egyptian ace netting seven times from 11 games.
