Arsenal vs Liverpool: What time does it start, where can I watch it, what TV channel, odds and team news?
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Your support makes all the difference.Both Arsenal and Liverpool have endured somewhat mixed results in recent weeks, drawing games against Everton and West Ham respectively. Liverpool currently sit fourth in the table, one place and one point above the Gunners who will want to reclaim their spot in the top four. With both Manchester clubs seemingly out of reach, for the time being anyway, the competition for Champions League football spots is of increased significance.
Arsene Wenger’s side beat Newcastle 1-0 in their previous fixture thanks to a stunning Mesut Ozil volley, though they could’ve scored more managing 23 shots in the game. Wenger will be hoping the German playmaker can continue his recent form following a slow start to the season. Wantaway forward Alexis Sanchez has struggled for goals and Wenger will need his star player to perform on Friday evening.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool were back to their free-flowing best against Bournemouth. Barring a Jermain Defoe strike against the base of Simon Mignolet’s post, Bournemouth posed little threat to a notoriously porous Liverpool backline; Wenger’s attack will certainly provide a sterner test for Dejan Lovren and co.
Arsenal are still without Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey following a hamstring injury, while long term absentee Santi Cazorla continues his recovery from an Achilles injury that has kept him sidelined since October 2016.
Liverpool will continue with Andrew Robertson at left-back, as Alberto Moreno remains unavailable due to an ankle injury picked up against Spartak Moscow in the Champions League. Jurgen Klopp is likely to continue his rotation policy as he looks to avoid the burn-out suffered by his squad over the Christmas period last year. Sadio Mane, rested for Liverpool’s trip to Bournemouth, is likely to return.
What time does it start?
Arsenal vs Liverpool is at 19:45 on Friday 22 December. Coverage starts at 19:00.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League.
It’s a big game for…
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. A return to his former home following a £40m summer move to Liverpool will see the dynamic midfielder under pressure to produce a performance in a central role against his old club.
The Southampton academy graduate has shown signs that he is beginning to learn his role in Klopp’s high intensity system, receiving the Man of the Match award in Liverpool’s last outing.
Best stat…
Granit Xhaka has had the most touches in the league this season (1774), as well as completing the most passes (1516).
Player to watch…
Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian flyer notched his 20th goal of the season following Liverpool’s thrashing of Bournemouth at the weekend and extended his lead in the race for the golden boot, moving two goals ahead of Spurs’ Harry Kane. The winger has been in scintillating form since making his return to the Premier League and is the first player to score 20 goals in a season for the Reds since Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge both achieved the feat under Brendan Rodgers in 2013/14.
Previous three meetings…
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 0, Premier League, 27th August 2017
Liverpool 3 Arsenal 1, Premier League, 4th March 2017
Arsenal 3 Liverpool 4, Premier League, 14th August 2016
Form guide…
Arsenal: WLWWD
Liverpool: WWDDW
Odds…
Arsenal: 11/8
Liverpool: 17/10
Draw: 11/4
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