Arsenal vs. Liverpool match thread: stress test

Yesterday at 11:20 AM

A depleted Gunners side hosts the Reds.

Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in a highly anticipated, critical early season tilt. The Reds have started the season quite well, although they've played a cupcake of a schedule, and they're fortunate to catch the Gunners well-below their usual strength. For me, the story of today's match starts and ends with the injuries at Arsenal.

We won't learn much about Liverpool should they beat a depleted Arsenal side, nor should there be meaningful takeaways about Mikel Arteta's side in defeat. If the Gunners find a way to win, however, that's a statement (and confirmation of my suspicion that Liverpool, while quite good, aren't as good as their early results indicate).

Arsenal need to find something today. The opening 30 minutes against Bournemouth looked flat. The performance against Shakhtar Donetsk was unconvincing. A loss today drops the Gunners 7 points behind Liverpool and 6 behind Manchester City. It's a long season and things can turn quickly, but you'd rather not have to dig out of a hole.

At the risk of sounding a bit too much like 'yer da, I think an Arsenal win today comes from heart and determination. With Martin Ødegaard out, Riccardo Calafiori out, William Saliba suspended, Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber ailing / out, Arsenal don't have the same starting quality as do Liverpool (or maybe they do - it depends on how you rate the various players and replacement). The Gunners will need to find a way to win rather than impose themselves and their style on the match. And I think that comes from playing hard — refusing to be denied.

They'll probably need to get a little bit lucky, too. Given how this season has gone from both an injury and marginal refereeing decision standpoint, Arsenal are probably due a bit of good fortune.

Liverpool will be without Conor Bradley, Federico Chiesa, Diogo Jota, Alisson Becker, and Harvey Elliot. A quick glance at that injury list might make you think they're in a similar situation to Arsenal. But they're not. Of that list, Alisson is the only nailed-on starter. Diogo Jota has been a regular starter under Arne Slot, but historically, Liverpool have regularly rotated their attacking options (other than the constant that is Mo Salah). In terms of importance to the team and how the manager wants to play, Liverpool's injuries are a far cry from what Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are dealing with.

Arsenal - Raya, Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli, Havertz

Liverpool - Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Jones, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Diaz, Salah, Nunez

WHO: Arsenal vs Liverpool
WHAT: Premier League Match Day 9
WHEN: Sunday, October 27th, 9:30 am PT | 12:30 pm ET | 4:30 pm BT
WHERE: The Emirates Stadium, London
HOW TO WATCH: Streaming live on the Peacock app.

For all your international streaming needs, check LiveSoccerTV.com. Please do not discuss or share links to illegal streams here.