As Liverpool head to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal in the Premier League, Arne Slot faces a conundrum over Curtis Jones. The Reds have shown they can ride out games under pressure, with 11 wins from 12 games this season.
Mikel Arteta’s usual side would present a stern test, but injuries and suspensions have weakened the opposition, giving the Merseysiders a chance to capitalize. Slot revealed in his press conference that Federico Chiesa “might train” on Friday or Saturday but won’t be fit to play, Diogo Jota will “definitely not” train and therefore won’t be involved, and Conor Bradley may train on Saturday but is unlikely to feature.
Given Liverpool’s current strength, Slot should select his strongest available team, which is easy to predict at the moment. The only positions up for debate are on the left and in midfield, with Cody Gakpo and Jones trying to displace Luis Diaz and Dominik Szoboszlai.
Jones’ brilliant performance against Chelsea makes it difficult not to include him, but his game against Arsenal will likely be played in a different role. This could lead Slot to selecting the same midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai that played against Leipzig.
Andy Robertson is likely to return to the lineup for Kostas Tsimikas at left-back, while Diaz will start on the left wing ahead of Gakpo. Szoboszlai will play in midfield, relegating Jones to the bench.
This is how Liverpool would line up: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Salah, Nunez, Diaz. However, with Szoboszlai having played extensive minutes for Hungary and Liverpool, Slot may reward Jones with a start.
The other question mark is in attack, where Darwin Nunez is expected to start due to Jota’s injury. If he was to drop out, Gakpo would be the most likely replacement.
If Jones is given a start, he would be replaced by Gakpo up front for the first time this season. Ibrahima Konate and Virgil van Dijk will start their eighth consecutive league game together.
Here’s an alternate team: Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Gakpo, Diaz.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool are more likely to win through a nervous finish rather than a dominant display. Whichever way they manage to secure the victory, we’re here to cheer them on.
