18 November 2021, 14:31 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The most anticipated fixture of Premier League Matchday 12, Liverpool F.C. vs. Arsenal F.C. kicks off at 18:30 (GMT+1) on Saturday, November 20, at Anfield. Referee Michael Oliver will keep the game under control for the length of the ninety while working alongside the assistants, Stuart Burt and Simon Bennett. The fourth official, Andy Madley will be at the sidelines while Chris Kavanagh will make himself useful in the VAR room.
Preview Liverpool Premier League, Nov 20, 2021
Preview Following the disappointing 3-2 defeat to West Ham United at the London Stadium, Liverpool gave up two spots on the table, moving from 2nd place to 4th place at the end of Matchday 11. A fabulous free-kick from Alexander-Arnold (41'), which left West Ham’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot, and another remarkable effort from Origi (83') were not enough to salvage anything from the game. The defeat brought Liverpool’s season-long unbeaten run to an end: DWWDL, leaving the Reds with 22 points after 6W, 4D, & 1L. Jurgen Klopp hopes to reclaim the lost spot with a win over archrivals Arsenal at home, while looking to Everton and Wolves to cause an upset against Manchester City (2nd) and West Ham (3rd) over the weekend. However, the 54-year-old will be nursing problems of his own when the Reds emerge from the dugout, possibly without as many as five key players. Fifteen players from the squad got the call for the World Cup qualifying round of fixtures, but a few returned injured. While on international duty, Jordan Henderson picked up a knock while Sadio Mane appeared to suffer a rib injury. However, the Senegalese was pictured in training and expected to be available on Saturday. Divock Origi (leg injury), Andrew Robertson (muscle injury) and Naby Keita (hamstring) are all in doubt, while Roberto Firmino remains sidelined until mid-December. However, the Mane—Jota—Salah combination is expected upfront in Jurgen Klopp’s 4—3—3 formation once again.
Preview Arsenal Premier League, Nov 20, 2021
Preview Following the 1-0 win over Watford at the Emirates Stadium right before the international break, Arsenal remains unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions since the 11th of September. The narrow victory over the Hornets saw the Gunners jump one spot ahead, from 6th to 5th place on the Premier League table, having picked up 20 points from 6W, 2D, & 3L. Mikel Arteta’s side returns with three consecutive victories in five Premier League games: DDWWW. The secret to Arsenal’s remarkable form has been a disciplined backline. The Gunners have kept six clean sheets in their last nine Premier League away matches, including three in a row. A similar feat could be on the horizon for this game against Liverpool. Arsenal has conceded as many goals as they have scored, 13, leaving them with a G.D. of 0. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the top of the shape is expected on Saturday. On availability, Thomas Partey (groin injury) is ruled out for this fixture alongside Granit Xhaka.