This weekend, Liverpool returns to Anfield for the first time in over a month in an effort to make a statement against the league’s top team, Arsenal.
An unimpressive 0-0 stalemate on Tuesday night at Stamford Bridge after a catastrophic 4-1 loss at the Etihad last weekend.
Liverpool will be attempting to exploit the energy of a home crowd on their return to Anfield to spur an improved performance and turn the current campaign around.
In a game when just three points will do if any aspirations of a top four push are to be sustained, the Reds will host the strongest Arsenal team in many years.
In advance of Liverpool vs. Arsenal, here are 10 things you should be aware of.
1. A Thiago return?
Thiago might participate this weekend for the first time since February after a seemingly never-ending hip flexor issue and scant timetables.
In his pre-Arsenal press conference, Jurgen Klopp said that the midfielder “might” be available after having trained “three or four times” with the entire team.
The management disclosed that “Luis [Diaz] and Thiago [are] training perfectly normal.”
“Thiago looks a little bit different [than Diaz]; he wasn’t out for very long; he’s trained with the team three or four times lately; and he might be available. But we need to see how he’s feeling right now.
2. “It’s Anfield”
The last time Liverpool played at Anfield was a 7-0 demolition of Man United at the start of March. This Sunday marks their first game there in almost a month.
The manager stressed the need of utilizing the team’s environment to their advantage in an effort to reverse recent fortunes, acknowledging there is “no sᴇᴄʀᴇᴛ” to the part the fans may play.
“In a home game, a massive boost can obviously come from the crowd, celebrating challenges, celebrating sliding tackles, and the ball goes out – that’s where it all starts,” the German said.
“It’s the first little victory, that’s what you have to build on.”
3. More changes
The busy calendar of games “opens the door for everybody,” according to Klopp, who also predicted that this weekend will see additional lineup changes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah, and Virgil van Dijk were all benched at Stamford Bridge, and the manager made six alterations to the team that fell to Man City 4-1.
“I said before the game and I sᴀʏ it now, this is a different week because we play three times,” said Klopp in his pre-match press conference.
“But from now on, if we don’t play three times a week, then we have more time to train.”
4. Historically a tough trip for the visitors
In their quest for their first league championship since the ‘invincible’ season of 2003–04, Arsenal enters Sunday as heavy favorites, although Anfield is not exactly a friendly hunting ground for the Gunners.
Liverpool has scored 22 goals and let up only four in their last six Premier League home victories over Arsenal.
The last time Arsenal traveled to Anfield and won in the league was in September 2012, when goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla sealed a 2-0 victory.
5. Expect goals
This matchup typically results in goals, unlike recent encounters with Chelsea, when 465 minutes have now elapsed without a goal.
The two teams have combined for 180 goals in their Premier League encounters, more than any other match.
In the last 45 league matches between the teams, only one game has ended scoreless (a 0-0 tie at the Emirates in 2015).
6. Jota to finally break his duck?
Despite the ꜰᴀᴄᴛ that Diogo Jota hasn’t scored for Liverpool since a 2-2 draw at the Etihad in April of last year, Sunday’s opponents are a team he frequently enjoys scoring against.
The Portuguese forward has scored seven goals for the Reds against Arsenal, more than any other team, with a goal every 73 minutes on average.
Given that he has missed the majority of the season due to ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ, with hamstring and calf issues keeping him out of action, this could be the ideal time for him to score his first goal of the year.
7. Top four hopes on the brink
No league victories in three have seen Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League increase, therefore a victory on Sunday is required.
The Reds are currently 10 points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, and any realistic prospects of catching up could be dashed if they lose to Arsenal.
Given the caliber of the competition, it will be a tall assignment, but Liverpool must find a way to play at their peak and secure a victory in order to save the season.
8. A Firmino swansong?
Roberto Firmino has also scored more goals for Liverpool against Arsenal than any other player, together with Jota.
In 17 games versus the Gunners, the Brazilian has scored 10 goals, including a stunning hat-trick in the 5-1 league thrashing in December 2018.
Firmino, who is expected to depart Liverpool this summer on a free transfer, will be thrilled if he plays in this game because it will be his last chance to score.
Only Robbie Fowler (12) has scored more goals for Liverpool against Arsenal overall.
9. Tierney in charge
The game on Sunday will be overseen by referee Paul Tierney, who has a past relationship with the manager of Liverpool.
Following Tierney’s decision not to dismiss Harry Kane during a 2-2 draw with Tottenham in December 2021, Klopp argued with him.
At the end of the game, the manager said Tierney, “I have no issues with any refs. Just you.
10. Join us for coverage!
Kickoff for Liverpool vs. Arsenal is scheduled at 4:30 p.m. on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. (BST).
The matchday live blog for This Is Anfield will be accessible starting at 3.45 p.m. if you want a biased opinion on the action.
Please, Reds, a victory!
