View: 100% gem in line for recall as Szoboszlai decision made – Liverpool predicted XI v Arsenal
Arne Slot could make one crucial change to his Liverpool midfield by selecting Curtis Jones to start against Arsenal on Sunday (27 October).
The 23-year-old was dropped to the bench with Alexis Mac Allister returning to match fitness for the 1-0 win against RB Leipzig on Wednesday (23 October).
However, Jones scored the winner for the Reds in the 2-1 win against Chelsea last weekend and should displace Dominik Szoboszlai in the starting lineup for the top-of-the-table clash at the Emirates.
Curtis Jones to replace Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool v Arsenal
Caoimhin Kelleher is coming into his own in the absence of Alisson, coming to the Reds’ rescue on several occasions as he made six saves against RB Leipzig. The 25-year-old is expected to continue in goal against Arsenal.
Conor Bradley is still nowhere near a first-team return, albeit the Northern Ireland right-back would not have been in consideration to start over Trent Alexander-Arnold at the Emirates with the vice-captain expected to resume his duties.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are now the established first-choice partnership at centre-back and, with the pair winning a combined 55 per cent of duels and five interceptions against Leipzig, should return to face Arsenal [Sofascore].
Kostas Tsimikas produced his best Liverpool performance of the season in winning 50 per cent of his ground duels, three interceptions, 71 per cent long ball accuracy, and 95 per cent pass accuracy with two key passes. However, the Greek cannot atone for his defensive vulnerabilities offensively and Andy Robertson should return to provide extra steel for the defence.
Ryan Gravenberch continues to impress for the Reds as he won 85 per cent of his duels with three interceptions and four tackles, while completing 95 per cent of his passes in the Champions League. The 22-year-old surely will not leave the starting lineup anytime soon.
Alexis Mac Allister returned to the starting lineup midweek and should continue against Arsenal. However, his usual partner Szoboszlai may be a casualty at the Emirates.
The Hungarian is far too relaxed in possession, misplacing nine passes against RB Leipzig, while Jones is far more reliable on the ball as he completed 100 per cent of his passes in his 16-minute cameo, and should help Liverpool overwhelm Arsenal in possession [Sofascore].
Mohammed Salah will always be one of the first names on the team sheet and will be expected to start on the right flank and make a similar impact in this game, having opening the scoring against Chelsea last week.
Darwin Nunez finally found the back of the net and was the match-winner in midweek. However, his ability to lead the line is still in question after three shots on target and one big chance missed. Jota will be missing again on the weekend, leaving Nunez unchallenged to start.
Cody Gakpo has been thriving in the Champions League this season and displaced Luis Diaz in the starting lineup as of late. The Dutchman is in too good of form to be dropped for Arsenal and should start however, it is a close call between him and Diaz.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds transfer smokescreen fails as a player is linked with a January exit.
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