Liverpool vs Arsenal preview - 3 prime points

#2. Tactical Approaches

Liverpool

Liverpool certainly have a better defence and more attacking depth. Their midfield is similar in form to Arsenal's, with a mix of hard-working box-to-box midfielders (Milner/Henderson), and more progressive ball-carrying players (Keita).

However, given Liverpool's superior attack, they know that Arsenal's defence is weak. Arsenal currently has the worst Goals Against tally in the top five. In addition to that, they have made numerous key defensive errors this season.

Liverpool celebrate a goal during the Newcastle game

So for Liverpool, high pressing is a key here. Arsenal, under Emery, has improved with playing from the back. Yet, without a full-strength defence and the long-standing defensive frailties, Liverpool and Klopp would be negligent to not exploit this.

The midfield may be even in form, but the game could be won by shutting down Aubameyang and/or Lacazette and pressing Arsenal's defence into making errors.

Bernd Leno has been a stable addition, but then the defenders in front of him are still poorly organised.

The cards are in the Reds' favour, and they need to utilise them effectively.

Arsenal

For Arsenal, the prominent tactical points are to stop Salah and, by extension, Firmino and Mane. Salah is the better forward, but they are all major threats.

This can be done by limiting the supply from the midfield and playing a back three. Arsenal did similarly in the 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium earlier this season and was very capable on the day.

Lucas Torreira, Arsenal's number 11 man.

For this game, something similar may be needed, in addition to controlling the midfield. Lucas Torreira, Granit Xhaka, and Matteo Guendouzi could start again. Emery may, instead, choose to bring in Aaron Ramsey to add more pressing and energy going forward. Ainsley Maitland-Niles could use this game to prove his midfield potential, as a burgeoning box-to-box player.

It's imperative that Arsenal are resolute at the back since Liverpool will see this as a boon to exploit. If this can be done, supply is brought to Aubameyang and Lacazette, the midfield can nullify Liverpool's midfield and defence, and they can get a result.