EPL 2017-18 : Liverpool vs Arsenal - 3 Key Battles that could determine the course of the game

Alexis Sanchez vs Dejan Lovren

The returning Alexis Sanchez is expected to be the biggest threat to the susceptible Liverpool defence

After weeks of speculation regarding his future at the Emirates, Alexis Sanchez is finally expected to make his first appearance for the Gunners in the current season and it comes at the perfect time as Arsenal travel to the Anfield.

With less than 12 months left for his current contract to expire, his future will invariably be the point of discussion but the former Barcelona man knows he has to put his best foot forward so as to ensure that he remains in as much demand as he does at the moment to secure a move of his choice.

The Chilean was Arsenal’s greatest attacking threat last season having been directly involved in 40 goals last season with 27 goals and 13 assists and will definitely bring the much-needed bite to Arsenal’s attack.

Sanchez is no stranger to splitting open even the toughest of defences with his mazy runs and intricate passing ability and will be keen to prove to the footballing world that he remains the man to watch at Arsenal against a rather susceptible Liverpool defence.

Surprisingly, the often marauding attacker has been kept silent by the Reds as he has scored just a solitary goal against them in 5 league gamessince arriving in 2014 and it would be fair to say that the hungry Chilean will be keen to buck the trend in the game to come.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have begun the season on a very poor note defensively with the side largely having their attack for their victories thus far and Dejan Lovren has been the culprit on more than one occasion.

The erratic Croatian who seems to have developed a habit of venturing out of his position and gifting the ball away easily will be the key to Arsenal breaking the Liverpool set up and the intelligent Sanchez would be keen on utilising any opportunities that come his way.

The Croatian gifted Hoffenheim a way into the match in his side’s last game and should he fail to curtail his mistakes, Alexis Sanchez will be more than happy to knock the ball into the back of the net.

When Arsenal lock horns with Liverpool tempers will flair and reputations will be put to test. It is guaranteed to be an exciting fixture but who will come out on top?

Will it be Jurgen Klopp’s enthralling yet defensively inefficient Liverpool or Arsene Wenger’s measured yet subdued Arsenal? We will have to wait and watch.