The State of Play
Mikel Arteta secured a significant trophy in his managerial career with Arsenal’s 2021 FA Cup triumph. This season, however, the Gunners are primarily focused on winning their first Premier League title since 2004 and making a deep run in the UEFA Champions League.
Despite Manchester City’s stumble in November/December, Arsenal couldn’t capitalise on the opportunity, leaving them five points behind Liverpool. Consecutive London derby defeats to West Ham United and Fulham before the New Year highlight their struggle, with just one win in their last six matches across all competitions.
Read our other FA Cup news stories here:
Pochettino sees domestic cups as route into Europe for Chelsea
Newcastle aware of importance of Sunderland clash – Howe
‘You have to treat it differently’ – Postecoglou on FA Cup bow
Similarly, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have faced challenges in fully exploiting Manchester City’s dropped points. Nevertheless, they currently lead the league standings and have an upcoming EFL Cup semi-final against Fulham midweek, along with advancing to the knockout stages of the UEFA Europa League, where rotation is expected.
Liverpool’s defensive prowess has been a key asset, conceding only 18 goals in 20 matches this season – the best defensive record in the Premier League. Arsenal, their upcoming opponents, boast the second-best defensive record.
Team News
Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira will be sidelined due to injuries for this weekend’s game, with Thomas Partey also unavailable.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who missed their defeat to Fulham, is uncertain for this weekend, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is away with the Japan national team at the AFC Asian Cup. There are suggestions that both Ben White and Bukayo Saka, meanwhile, could be rested for this fixture.
Jurgen Klopp has hinted that he might field a strong line-up against Arsenal this weekend, considering The Reds’ six-day gap since their last league fixture. However, the absence of Mohamed Salah due to the Africa Cup of Nations will pose a significant disruption.
The German manager will also have to contend with the unavailability of Hungarian international Dominik Szoboszlai due to injury, while Wataru Endo is on international duty with Japan. Although Andrew Robertson is expected to return later this month, he remains unavailable, along with Thiago Alcantara.
Expected Line-ups
Arsenal: Ramsdale; Cedric, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Trossard, Nketiah, Martinelli
Liverpool: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Jones; Elliott, Jota, Diaz
What they Said
Mikel Arteta on facing such a big rival in the FA Cup
“We played two weeks ago and it was an incredible match. I’m sure it will be an incredible match again. It’s a great competition. The club has won it more times [than any other team]. We expect a great game and a good run.”
Darren Moore on what sets Pep Guardiola apart from others:
“For me, it’s his passion and desire, that winning attitude which is not easy to come by because when you’ve won so much, then to be able to park it and move onto the next one takes a unique character. These managers have a relentless attitude to win and be the best.”
When and How to Watch
This match is being televised live on BBC Red Button, and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
Prediction
Both managers have a motivation to field a formidable starting line-up on Sunday afternoon, and this scenario seems likely. However, as demonstrated by their 1-1 draw at Anfield just before Christmas, there is a genuinely deceptive strength in each other’s defensive setups. So, while the match may promise high-octane excitement befitting a knockout competition, it could very well result in both teams nullifying each other once again and playing out a stalemate.
