Liverpool's stern test against Arteta's young guns

International break perfect timing for Klopp's men?

Liverpool sit just two points ahead of the Gunners going into this gameweek. Considering Arsenal's three losses to kick the season off, and partly tongue-in-cheek talk of relegation, the fact that this imperious Liverpool side are just one spot above Arsenal is an indication of Liverpool's sliding form. It's nothing too major for Klopp to worry about, but since the 5-0 thumping of Man United in their own backyard, a draw at home to an overachieving Brighton and a 3-2 loss away at West Ham is a mighty slip up for a side that are looking to challenge at the top end of the table. While this "mini-crisis" is certainly being blown out of proportion, the glaring defensive weaknesses in these past two Premier League games will breed confidence in any opposition. Liverpool's fear factor came from them being such an intimidating force, seemingly always in a good patch of form, no matter what point of the season they're in. These two slip ups, particularly the loss at the London Stadium, exposed a blatant weakness in this otherwise smooth sailing ship. Allison cannot deal with crosses or any type of aerial pressure. While maybe a small issue, it was largely the reason West Ham beat Liverpool just before the international break. Whether Arsenal will be able to take advantage of this weakness is something only time will tell. But the Liverpool sides of the last season or two have had few glaring weaknesses, so this should be a worry for Jurgen Klopp if he's intending on bouncing back against Arsenal on Saturday evening.

Summer business bearing fruit for Mikel

Since the 5-0 humiliation at the Etihad in late August, Arsenal have not lost a game. While they've had some favourable fixtures in this time, with this game at Anfield undoubtedly being their biggest test since the Man City loss, they've still beaten the likes of Leicester and Spurs in this impressive unbeaten run. This game certainly feels like it could sway the way this season goes for Mikel Arteta. He can't allow a loss to derail what has been an incredible rise up the table from dead last after three games. Taking 20 points from a possible 24 in these past eight games, keeping clean sheets in eight of them, has seen the Gunners begin to mount a European charge. Lead by the young stars up top with Emile Smith-Rowe and Bukayo Saka in behind Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, built on the foundations of a back five (including the now ever-present Aaron Ramsdale) that has been so solid despite pre-season criticism of the club's recruitment in these positions. Arsenal are beginning to look like the real deal, and I really fancy them to take something back to North London. The organisation and ability to deal with pressured situations has allowed this young Arsenal side to flourish. While the Gunners' record against Liverpool leaves a lot to be desired, losing five on the bounce at Anfield, this is a new dawn for Arsenal, and they're now more than capable of giving the league's top sides a run for their money.

While recent history points a glaring light in the way of Liverpool in this match, I'm backing the Gunners to continue their unbeaten run into the busy Christmas period and get something from Anfield. That's why I'm backing Arsenal or draw with bet365.

Bet Arsenal or draw on Bet365