Arsenal have the biggest game of their season so far when Liverpool arrive at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The context is very simple: win and you’re firmly in the race for the title, lose and many would argue they could be out of it.
A seven-point gap would open should Arne Slot repeat the result from the pre-season meeting between the pair in America this previous summer. Arsenal go in as underdogs for many because of form, but mainly due to the injury issues they continue to suffer.
With that in mind, Mikel Arteta has got an almighty job on his hands when it comes to choosing his side. Some might say he barely has a choice but the hope is some returning players will indeed create options for the Spaniard.
The back line in front of David Raya is perhaps the biggest conundrum with regard to Calafiori’s absence being a key factor. It does rest heavily on whether Jurrien Timber can pass late fitness tests and overcome the muscular issue that continues to plague him.
Should he make it back, bringing him into the left-back position is where his best work, stopping Mohamed Salah, would be desirable. In the absence of William Saliba, Ben White moves to the Frenchman’s position, partnering with Gabriel Magalhaes.
Whereas Thomas Partey is given the job of moving in at right-back. Not a position people particularly enjoy him playing, but it is a case of needs must for the Gunners.
Declan Rice and Mikel Merino are tasked with winning the midfield battle and they have a good record of doing so. Granted Merino remains raw and in transition, but he has shown defensive might and a strong head in games of magnitude such as against PSG.
Ahead remains Leandro Trossard who looks more effective through the middle. Odegaard is still a huge loss, and hopefully he returns soon.
Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz make up the forward line with the aim of hurting a Liverpool team yet to be truly tested this season. Arteta wishes he might have more ammunition for them, but he must go with what he has got.
Changed Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
