Liverpool v Arsenal Sat 29th Dec 17:30 KO

Another game, another chance to strengthen our grip on 1st place.

I expect us to go with 4-3-3:

Alisson

Alexander-Arnold
Lovren
Van Dijk
Robertson

Wijnaldum
Fabinho
Milner (c)

Salah
Firmino
Mane

Subs:

Mignolet
Clyne
Henderson
Keita
Lallana
Sturridge
Origi

Arsenal are likely to play 4–5-1 against us:

Leno

Lichsteiner
Soktaris
Koscielny (c)
Kolasinac

Maitland-Niles
Guendouzi
Xhaka
Torreira
Iwobi

Aubameyang

I can’t see them starting Ozil in this game and I can’t see how we don’t win.

Confident going into this one, 3-0 to us ⚽️

A win on Saturday will see us 10 points clear of City who play the following day away to a rejuvenated Southampton....while Spuds have a 3pm kickoff against Wolves ...

Tricky game this & one that would see us tested defensively ..

2-1

Which three in midfield the only question for me. I'm going with Fabinho, Henderson and Keita

Massive game!!! We don’t lose at home but could potentially see us drawing with their danger man Aubameyang.

Just hope we keep it cool and patient with no mistakes.

3-1 Liverpool

With city coming up I can see that following team

Alisson

TAA
VVD
Lovren
Robbo

Gini
Fabinho
Shaqiri

Mane
Bobby
Mo

Which three in midfield the only question for me. I'm going with Fabinho, Henderson and Keita

Milner for Henderson. Wijnaldum for Keita. Strength before Skill

NB: Team no longer available

Thick and fast the games

            Alisson
Clyne Lovren VVD Milner
   Gini Fabinho Lallana
      Shaq Mo Bob


Big game coming up against City, so somehow have to try rotate for a big one against Arsenal.
Good luck to Jürgen in these two games juggling players.
Risky to leave out too many 'first starters', but also need to try keep lads fresh.
Would want to go to City and win - so would think Jürgen will have to make changes for this one...

Four day gap is enough to play our best XI back to back.

NB: Team no longer available

Wanted to play Hendo but I don’t know how he and Fab/Gini would work in a trio. Toss up between Keita and Milly in that case and not sure if Jim will be fit.

Four day gap is enough to play our best XI back to back.

NB: Team no longer available

Wanted to play Hendo but I don’t know how he and Fab/Gini would work in a trio. Toss up between Keita and Milly in that case and not sure if Jim will be fit.

Yep same from me, best team available for next 2 games, city are capable of beating our best team and so are the Arsenal on their day, but I don't want the "but if we'd played our best line up we might have won"

Four day gap is enough to play our best XI back to back.

NB: Team no longer available

Wanted to play Hendo but I don’t know how he and Fab/Gini would work in a trio. Toss up between Keita and Milly in that case and not sure if Jim will be fit.

Henderson will play against City alongside Fabinho imo with Keita high

Agree with the above posters opinions
Have to go full Strength
These next two games are utterly vital to our season
Beat arse and we keep the momentum going into the must win city game.
The proposition of being 10 points clear of city after the January 3rd game is monumental.
Can’t rotate after the city game.
Have to keep pushing with no excuses

Be inclined to go with Shaq in place of Mane

Be inclined to go with Shaq in place of Mane

No chance - we need Mane’s pace. Everyone moaning about him but I think he’s been excellent, just needs to up his finishing

No chance - we need Mane’s pace. Everyone moaning about him but I think he’s been excellent, just needs to up his finishing

He’s doing the hard things easily and making the easy things look difficult.

Just missing that polish he had in the first couple weeks of the season. Still getting in to perfect positions.

No chance - we need Mane’s pace. Everyone moaning about him but I think he’s been excellent, just needs to up his finishing

I think we’d benefit as a result. Bring him on in the second half against a tiring Lichsteiner and then start him from the off against City which will be a tougher game. The Arsenal defence doesn’t have pace other than Bellerin, who is injured.

Hendo will definitely start at City so Fabinho will definitely start against Arse. Expect Keita to play  as well against Arsenal

Hendo will definitely start at City so Fabinho will definitely start against Arse. Expect Keita to play  as well against Arsenal

Henderson looks quality, Fabinho looks quality.

Two top players in top form fighting for a spot in the 11 = superb.

Hendo will definitely start at City so Fabinho will definitely start against Arse. Expect Keita to play  as well against Arsenal

Hendo and Fab looked like the best midfield pairing we have had since Stevie and Xabi. Very different pairing but they worked so well.
For me, I’d go with Hendo, Fab and Keita vs Arsenal and then I think it could be Hendo, Fab and Gini against City. Can’t see Keita playing both games, not sure he has really shown enough as of yet to be playing both games either, not when the other 3 I mentioned are in such good form. Milly I think is going to miss both games with an injury.

It’s a good dilemma for Klopp to have now, hopefully Milly will be able to play some part vs City.

Henderson looks quality, Fabinho looks quality.

Two top players in top form fighting for a spot in the 11 = superb.

Agree . As KK says I thought played well together and saying Keita as it is at home not sure he will be trusted against City and Gini probably return. Good problem to have no doubt and with Milner having a break he may also start if fit.

Just a reminder that after the City match is FA Cup. Jürgen can rotate all he wants for that one, but will go as strong as possible (not  necessarily meaning the same XI) for these next two colossal encounters.

Alisson
TAA-Lovren-VVD-Robbo
Milner-Fab-Keita
Salah-Firmino-Mané

Keita needs to be involved, he'll be gold once he can deliver constantly what he just offered sporadically up to now. Milner is fresh. Fab is fresher than Hendo. Bring Shaq early (~60 min.) for Mané or Firmino.

I don't think it will matter which eleven starts as the whole squad appear to be hungry for success.I am sure Jürgen will have drilled into them the importance of remaining unbeaten and indeed securing the 3 points.

We all know what happened at the Emirates in our earlier match. Not gonna be easy this.

Be inclined to go with Shaq in place of Mane

No way. I want Mane running at an old man in Liechsteiner as much as possible!

just watching Robbie Fowler score hatricks against Arsenal one in just over 2 mins or something like that wonder if he is fit?.
I think the lads will see this as an opportunity to knock Arsenal out of the title race for good and keep the pressure on City and Spurs

Need to play strongest side against Arsenal. They are in decent form, well capable of causing an upset.

Alisson
TAA-Lovren-VVD-Robbo
Milner-Fab-Keita
Salah-Firmino-Mané

Keita needs to be involved, he'll be gold once he can deliver constantly what he just offered sporadically up to now. Milner is fresh. Fab is fresher than Hendo. Bring Shaq early (~60 min.) for Mané or Firmino.

Henderson spent a lot of time injured so how is he not fresh?.
I don't care who starts as long as they play just like every starting 11 this season. They have 4 days to the City game after this so no problems with tiredness plenty of time to recover and go again.
Think the Crowd are also starting to realise just how important they are and against Newcastle they were brilliant more of the same

This is the one that worries me the most, more than the Citeh game. Their front three are really good. I would prefer to win but a draw would not be a bad result.

I go for 2-1 to the redmen.

Need to play strongest side against Arsenal. They are in decent form, well capable of causing an upset.

Don't think we have a strongest side anymore we have possibly 16 or 17 players who could be classed as being part of the strongest team.

Don't think we have a strongest side anymore we have possibly 16 or 17 players who could be classed as being part of the strongest team.

You are probably right, with such a strong bench, with a couple of seemingly tough games ahead, need to focus on not dropping points, to Man City or outsiders Arsenal.

Seen Arsenal's last 3 or 4 games.

Not been too impressed by them, TBH. Saying that though, they'll put on a performance against us! It'll be a tough game no matter what.

The problem in our last fixture away, was that 4-3-3 did not work. They passed the ball around the midfield and looked more expressive, I don't see them getting as much freedom under our steadfast 4-2-3-1 formation. Would be inclined to stick with Henderson/Fabinho sitting deep. Usual back four, usual front four.

Do not rate their keeper Leno. Genuinely think Karius  had a rougher time compared for making less mistakes, before the unforgettable ones. Here's to hoping he doesn't have a Worldie!

Think Keita-Hendo-Milner will start at the Etihad, (Keita, Mane attacking Walker who has been sh*te recently and Milner offering cover on the right for TAA against Sane - ok, jumping too far ahead)

So, thinking Jürgen will field a 4-2-3-1 here with Gini, Fab double-6 (this combo has been really good) and Shaq to join the front 3. Bobby would probably be heavily involved in midfield battles, trying to take Torreira out of the game.

Emery has a new found love to start with 3 DMs (Xhaka, Guendouzi and Torreira). They'll probably line up in a 4-3-3, with Maitland-Niles and Kolasinac as full backs and Iwobi-Auba-Lacazette as front-3, with Kolasinac, Iwobi & Auba trying to disrupt the TAA-Lovren axis like PSG did, unless we play Clyne and give TAA a breather for the Etihad game.

A tricky game this! Expecting Mane to play a crucial role and exploit their right side. Same scoreline as last March's game. 3-1!

just in case a few of us are still a bit apprehensive just a quick calculation gives us over 90 points for our last 38 league games so this season is not a fluke even Emery (not Dick) commented on how we have evolved season upon season under Jürgen and that this is how he sees Arsenal.
FFS we have got some side here all we have to do as fans is get behind Jürgen and the lads 100% and we can do this.

You are probably right, with such a strong bench, with a couple of seemingly tough games ahead, need to focus on not dropping points, to Man City or outsiders Arsenal.

PHil Babb not my favourite player commented on how luck the back four are to have the midfielders we have playing in front of them

Not posting a line up, because only midfield doesn't choose itself now, we have so many correct options now as well. Although I'd consider dropping Mane for Shaqiri up top.

Charlie C**t  George.  '71

Michael T**t Thomas   '89

Paul Wino Merson.      Whenever.

They are always enough motivation for me to want to beat the Arse.


Of course Unai Emery .... May 2016  Europa Final v Seville as well.

Dont want to sound smug but we should be beating Arsenal at home.

They still make errors at the back and we should have enough ball to make enough chances to force those errors

Charlie C**t  George.  '71

Michael T**t Thomas   '89

Paul Wino Merson.      Whenever.

They are always enough motivation for me to want to beat the Arse.


Of course Unai Emery .... May 2016  Europa Final v Seville as well.

Charlie George broke my heart we were much the better team and Steve Heighway's goal should have been the winner

PHil Babb not my favourite player commented on how luck the back four are to have the midfielders we have playing in front of them

So they wont move out of the way when Cantona strikes the ball in a Cup final? Sorry for off-topic, old grudges die hard.

So they wont move out of the way when Cantona strikes the ball in a Cup final? Sorry for off-topic, old grudges die hard.

Not this lot ( and I was at Wembley that awful day) this lot will die for each other

Not this lot ( and I was at Wembley that awful day) this lot will die for each other

Milner ruled out for Saturday, per Klopp presser.

I think you will see two or three changes to the side but based on the fact we never rotated much vs Newcastle I doubt playing a much better Arsenal side he will look to do that. As far as the game goes we will get our fair share of chances so if we can find scoring boots early we can get the three point.

------------Alisson-------------
Clyne---Lovern---VvD--Robbo
-----Gini---Fabinho---Keita---
-----Salah--Firmino---Shaqiri

right now on LFC TV "when we were Kings" Kenny and Souness talking about their successes together. If you want to show the lads what its like to be a true legend and how the City repays them they should watch this its just incredibly emotional for us older supporters. Make me want this lot to win even more

Joe Fagan's last words before the 84 European Cup Final "don't be late for the bus". Team spirit is everything for a winning side and I honestly believe this squad more than any other since the mid 80's has this we are so close to realising our dream

Charlie C**t  George.  '71

Michael T**t Thomas   '89

Paul Wino Merson.      Whenever.

They are always enough motivation for me to want to beat the Arse.   



Of course Unai Emery .... May 2016  Europa Final v Seville as well.   

     

That league cup back in 85'86 when Rushie scored first...some real gobs***e arse fans in Boston...

Hendo was at his best at no.8 (I means the way he play not the fixed position) last game so I think he should start this game. His problem is only negative passes and last game he not do it that's why he has a good game. When fully fit and in good form he is important part of this team.

I prefer Shaq start too but this game we need combative there and best cover for both flanks so Fab+Hendo+Naby/Gini is more likely.

That Auba guy and Lacasette are very dangerous so I don't expect a clean sheet but confident we win this.  COYR

A tough match, but I expect a 3-1 win, as Arsenal defense is just too bad for us.

Jürgen put it out there, need the players to stay angry/hungry - even though 2 wins clear, still a great quote.
The rotation is working well, players must be enjoying it, especially guys coming in who might not be first XI - they're contributing and the lads look really happy and motivated.
Great to have real competition for places, apart from CB where we can't really afford to loose another guy there.

Arsenal not getting the results they were a few games back - don't want to jinx things, but maybe not the worst time to be playing Arse/City!?!
Another 3 points lads would do nicely going on to the Emptyhad.

I just don't think we have it in us to play with complacency.
We've been ripping teams apart straight from the kick off.
Our domination in possession has starved EVERY team we play of oxygen.

I see no difference against Arsenal.
They were sh*t against Southampton and sh*t against Brighton and we will make them look sh*t again tomorrow.

I just don't think we have it in us to play with complacency.
We've been ripping teams apart straight from the kick off.
Our domination in possession has starved EVERY team we play of oxygen.

I see no difference against Arsenal.
They were sh*t against Southampton and sh*t against Brighton and we will make them look sh*t again tomorrow.

Tight early but grind them down

We are bound to hit the odd bump in the road but I don't expect it to be against teams like Arsenal who come to play.
I think the lads will be absolutely up for this one and I cant see anything other than a feast of football and goals

Wouldn't surprise me if Moreno comes on and scores !!

We are bound to hit the odd bump in the road

Nah...Jürgen takes the nice smooth autobahn Walt

Wouldn't surprise me if Moreno comes on and scores !!

For or against us?   

Ozil hasn’t travelled the one player that always worries me .. good news for us.

Just about too leave for the game have a good day reds .

Ozil hasn’t travelled the one player that always worries me .. good news for us.

That is good news, plus Monreal and Bellerin are out, so their flanks are massively exposed to our attacks. Unless they have an absolute blinder or we play really crap this should be a solid win for us, 3-0

Going for a 2  ! win for the reds, Arsenal will likely try to up their game. Too much all round strength, especially at home, will see us through to another victory.

long time to wait and Spurs play first against Wolves who are playing well but probably not going to trouble Spurs who are in good form.

5 days to the City game so no chance of "resting players" tonight and it will be under the lights so more magic to come.

Just can't see their defence coping with our attacks and although I do them scoring we should have too much 3-1

1st game of the 2nd part of the season, against a decent Arsenal side who will cause problems but not enough to halt the momentum and confidence,

I believe we are just getting into our stride now and with a run of 7 premier league wins already behind us its difficult to see where or how it will be stopped,
First up to try is Arse who under Unai Emery have improved but are still in their infancy with his methods,  and although it's still a difficult game i can see us winning fairly comfortably...I'd go with this......in a 4-2-3-1

                       Alisson
   Trent Lovren Virgil Robertson
             Fabinho Wijnaldom
       Shaq       Firmino      Mane
                         Salah

Attack  attack attack from the start and batter the f**k out of them, get ourselves 3 up by the break and on the hour we can then rest players ready for a massive game  V  Shitty ,

Keep up the pace and zip the ball about all in and around their back 4 will reap rewards,  if we haven't already lets throw a huge marker down, saying we are the best team in the league, what you gonna do about it?


4-0 Champions Elect

YNWA
         

Game is won or lost in midfield. Cut off the supply to their frint line and put pressure on their highly suspect defence is the way to go. They move swiftly from defence to midfield,  we need to distrupt their rhythm.

We have too much firepower for them. Heavy metal first half please.

                    Alisson
   Trent Lovren Virgil Robertson
             Fabinho Wijnaldom
       Shaq       Firmino      Mane
                         Salah

Be surprised if we didn't start like this.

We have too much firepower for them. Heavy metal first half please.

Saw highlights of our 5-1 demolition this morning on Social Media.

Had me licking my lips in anticipation. Providing we keep Aubameyang & Lacazette quiet, I see us getting a few without reply.

Charlie George broke my heart we were much the better team and Steve Heighway's goal should have been the winner

Remember it like yesterday, I was 10 in 1971 my dad took me to the Ideal Home Exhibition to look for a new telly, yeah I know pops wasnt into football more a golfer ,jeez Cup final day I was not a happy bunny putting a gob on was an understatement.
I watched the match on a Grundig telly funny how you remember stuff like that, there were about 10 sets up and working the salesman kept changing the channels for prospective buyers ( No remotes in those days), we still had a black and white telly so to watch the extra time in colour on a top of the range Grundig, I was going nowhere if I could help it.  My dad wanted to go for something to eat and a pint I wanted to watch Liverpool so he had a chat wi the guy ,he left one telly for me thinking theres a sale coming the guy watched me like a hawk,even bought me a can of Fanta my pops came back later on ,I was greetin my eyes oot,
"What did you do to him" my dad asked, " Nothing mate" he's been bawlin and sniveling since Liverpool lost the Cup Final ,still bare the scars

just watching all our goals on LFCTV and everyone seems to play a part in this season at last everyone seems to be singing from the same hymn sheet ( apart form Moreno).
Just cant see us doing anything but winning tonight not because of confidence but because the lads simply out work the opposition and by 75 mins the opposition are all fu**ed.

I have a sneaky feeling Klopp is gonna play Mane on the right with  double 6's in Fab and Wijnaldum and Keita playing left, more in the half spaces than an actual wide player. I can't see him playing Shaq as Keita offers more defensive solidity.

I have a sneaky feeling Klopp is gonna play Mane on the right with 2 double 6's in Fab and Wijnaldum and Keita playing left, more in the half spaces than an actual wide player. I can't see him playing Shaq as Keita offers more defensive solidity.

just out of curiosity mate how many times have your team predictions been correct?.

I have a sneaky feeling Klopp is gonna play Mane on the right with 2 double 6's in Fab and Wijnaldum and Keita playing left, more in the half spaces than an actual wide player. I can't see him playing Shaq as Keita offers more defensive solidity.

?

just out of curiosity mate how many times have your team predictions been correct?.

Probably 0.

?

Edited, thank you for pointing it oyut.

I have a sneaky feeling Klopp is gonna play Mane on the right with  double 6's in Fab and Wijnaldum and Keita playing left, more in the half spaces than an actual wide player. I can't see him playing Shaq as Keita offers more defensive solidity.

I'd go with this too. Can't see Jürgen playing all four of our attackers for this one. It'll be as close to the team that played against United depending on fitness.

Probably 0.

well your probably in good company but everytime people leave Henderson out Jürgen seems to pick him.

Looking forward to this one come on you reds

well your probably in good company but everytime people leave Henderson out Jürgen seems to pick him.

With how Klopp likes to rotate his midfield this season, and with the next game (vs City) being another taxing game (I assume Arsenal will be an intensive match) 72 hours later, I can't see Hendo starting vs Arsenal after playing him vs Newcastle, but hey, he could play Hendo vs Arsenal and leave him out vs City... or maybe start him in both games, who knows!

Arsenal very much like us 2 seasons ago, can be brilliant but awful at the back. Every Gooner I know has written off this game, which worries me.

I do think our whole club is fighting against complacency and over confidence unlike some of our fans, if we go 1-0 down ever most of them questioning Klopp - lets just follow Jurgens mantra- whatever happens enjoy this period.

This is the best Liverpool team since 1987/88

My major worry is Lovren. Although he’s been terrific lately, I think he is still liable to being a bit erratic, and with Aubameyang running at him into our box 😳
Just hope we stem the supply, and he won’t have that problem !
As for the rest, I trust in Klopp.
3:0 the red men 😊

Margin of victory today will be one goal.

Margin of victory today will be one goal.

any idea what the winning Lottery numbers are by any chance?

My major worry is Lovren. Although he’s been terrific lately, I think he is still liable to being a bit erratic, and with Aubameyang running at him into our box 😳
Just hope we stem the supply, and he won’t have that problem !
As for the rest, I trust in Klopp.
3:0 the red men 😊

when did a mistake by Dejan last result in us conceding a goal in fact out of our entire goals conceded 7 how many are down to Dejan.

Don’t know why but I’ve woke up a lot more anxious then usual on match days this season... think this is gonna be a really tough one, I’m gonna go 2-1 to us...

Just get a win please, I’ll be a lot more at ease going into the City game then Thursday...

Don’t know why but I’ve woke up a lot more anxious then usual on match days this season... think this is gonna be a really tough one, I’m gonna go 2-1 to us...

Just get a win please, I’ll be a lot more at ease going into the City game then Thursday...

I guess its not only about beating Arsenal its also about maintaining our top spot and our unbeaten run so every game has so much more pressure on it.
I can feel it even though its nearly 3 hours until Kick off the anticipation and pressure is building

Will miss this one, but will be checking in on score with phone.
If he plays, would be good to see Mane get a goal - not in great form in front of goal, but never doubt his effort - common Sadio!

I hate this waiting around whilst other teams are playing.Cant see Spurs dropping points today so a win is a must as all games seem to be now

I hate this waiting around whilst other teams are playing.Cant see Spurs dropping points today so a win is a must as all games seem to be now

Start getting used to it Walt, we are not the hunters anymore, we are the hunted.
Hate the waiting but never felt so good about our chances of being champions this season, enjoy the ride.

As usual, I only care about getting 3 points.
Don't care how.

F**k it I'm taking the Dog out for an hour whether he wants to or not

Starting to get nervous just reading the posts here

Apparently, Ozil, Bellerin, and Monreal out. That has got to stretch them a bit.

Any team news yet ?

Any team news yet ?

Should be in the next 5 mins

CORY

Get in Wolves

Liverpool line up v Arsenal: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Shaqiri, Firmino, Salah, Mane. #LFC

was just going to say Spurs are defending in numbers.