Topic: Match Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool, Feb 4 2024

[CHOPPER]

If Macca and Nunez are fit, the only change we'll likely see made in the starting 11 is Trent for Conor. Trent's precise press-beating passes have been an effective weapon against Arsenal the last two times we played them this season. I prefer Conor to continue to start but can see the merits of Trent starting, as others above have noted.

I don't think Robbo is even in the conversation to start cos he's been out a fairly long time and in his place Gomez has very much made the position his own, and offers the stability of three centre halves at the back when we defend. Robbo's earliest full comeback would be against Burnley I reckon.

Meself I’d disagree, I’d start with Bradley - Trent has had some tough gigs against Martineli and I think Bradley is a more dogged defender so I’d start with him, see how the game pans out and if it’s tight possibly think about Trent, but if we are starting to chase the game, bringing Trent on does a lot in adding an addition to our possession and attacking play. it’ll have them thinking and worrying. If we rotate that way than, a Trent who we know how good he is, but has been out for a while, going up against  Martineli, straight from the off, mightn’t be the shrewdest move.

In my humble opinion, of course.

[Fruity]

They couldn't really lay a glove on us unless we turned it over ourselves.

I think that's the key thing for us - we have been pretty good recently but teams have stopped pressing us recently. Don't think that will be the case tomorrow. 1st half in the cup game a lot of their opportunities came from us losing the ball. Having an outlet (Nunez) for a quick over the top ball will give us a good threat.

[So… Howard Philips]

I think that's the key thing for us - we have been pretty good recently but teams have stopped pressing us recently. Don't think that will be the case tomorrow. 1st half in the cup game a lot of their opportunities came from us losing the ball. Having an outlet (Nunez) for a quick over the top ball will give us a good threat.

In the Cup game we were missing Dom’s running power and  strength in midfield so that should be a bonus.

Someone mentioned Partey before - thought that fouling twat had disappeared.

[John C]

I loved that OP Yorky mate, a delightful read concluded with some fine words from Jeff. Thank you.

You're right about Jurgens selection headache. Each of the starting 11 against Chelsea are un-droppable imo, I've no idea how he will figure his team out. But I'm 100% certain he will and it's simply a matter of the 11 finding the same energy levels and determination as Wednesday night.

Up the Reds.

[Nick110581]

I loved that OP Yorky mate, a delightful read concluded with some fine words from Jeff. Thank you.

You're right about Jurgens selection headache. Each of the starting 11 against Chelsea are un-droppable imo, I've no idea how he will figure his team out. But I'm 100% certain he will and it's simply a matter of the 11 finding the same energy levels and determination as Wednesday night.

Up the Reds.

This sums it up perfectly.

The team on Wednesday were so good. Trent could a huge asset from bench if he sticks with Bradley.

The only other option to play both Trent and Bradley is to mess around with right side. But that means that Diaz or Dom could sit out.

[Caligula?]

We're playing them at just the right time I think. We're bang on in form. We aren't just winning games anymore, we're actually doing it playing well. Some of our players have hit their stride as well.

We'll have to defend better than we did in the FA Cup game though. If memory serves correct we survived an early onslaught and grew into the game but if you keep giving them enough chances eventually they'll score so we'll have to have a bit more control this time around. And I think we will. I think we'll win this marginally, 1-0 or 2-1.

[BoRed]

Spurs away 2013/14?  For Suarez see Nunez?  That kind of thing?

For Flanagan see Bradley.

[andyrol]

The beauty of this is whilst we don't really know who starts Arsenal have NO idea.

[William Regal]

I think that's the key thing for us - we have been pretty good recently but teams have stopped pressing us recently. Don't think that will be the case tomorrow. 1st half in the cup game a lot of their opportunities came from us losing the ball. Having an outlet (Nunez) for a quick over the top ball will give us a good threat.

I agree, I think the availability of Nunez is vital tomorrow

[darragh85]

Never enjoy playing these away. A bit more pressure on them to win this time though.

[Schmarn]

Endo on his way back, Japan are out.

[JackWard33]

Our hardest remaining league game imo (becuase city is at home)
Arsenal might be a bit under estimated at the moment- some patchy results lately but their underlying numbers remain really good and the thing about this game is it’s a cup final for them … they know they have to win to get back in the title race

Arteta seems to do the same thing in every big game - or at least vs us - he puts a super high press on from the start that lasts 20-30 minutes … and honestly we don’t handle it very well. I hope we’ve adjusted and have on of the 8s sit in with Mac for the start of the game and not have that horrible thing we’ve all seen before where the front 5 are totally cut off from the back 5 and we can’t play out
If we get through the first half hour we’ll do well - stronger bench etc

[jepovic]

Endo on his way back, Japan are out.

Not for Arsenal surely

[newterp]

Bradley will likely miss this now. So Trent.

[WorldChampions]

I was bang up for starting Bradley again, he's on fire and stretches the pitch. Did well down there a few weeks ago.

With the sad news today that won't be happening so Trent will be back in which means Gomez is nailed on to start too, if he wasn't already.

The rest of the team picks itself assuming Nunez is good to start.

[SamLad]

I was bang up for starting Bradley again, he's on fire and stretches the pitch. Did well down there a few weeks ago.

With the sad news today that won't be happening so Trent will be back in which means Gomez is nailed on to start too, if he wasn't already.

what news?

[Fruity]

what news?

I believe his father passed away

[thejbs]

If ever there’s a game to sing Bradley’s name, it’s this one. 84th minute when we have the game won.

[SamLad]

I believe his father passed away

oh, my god.  poor lad.

[SamLad]

Days after living a boyhood dream of scoring at Anfield, Conor Bradley has suffered the tragic loss of his father, who has passed away at the age of 58.

The Belfast Telegraph and Irish Examiner have both reported the death of Joe Bradley who, at 58, passed away on Saturday morning following a battle with illness.

[The G in Gerrard]

[No666]

Before Sunday’s game at the Emirates,
@Arsenal
 will receive a donation to their match-day foodbank collection from
@LFC
. “Both of our clubs have a long history in supporting the most vulnerable in our respective communities, and it’s heart-warming to come together like this in support of a shared cause,” says Freddie Hudson
@AFCCommunity
. “We look forward to returning the gesture at our trip to Anfield next season.” Forbes Duff
@LFCFoundation
 emphasises the shared support and “highlighting the importance of access to food for all and minimising food waste”.

[cipher]

Terrible news for Bradley and his family.  The club and players will definitely rally around and help him as best they can.

As for the game, if we win tomorrow and we are 8 points ahead of Arsenal/Aston Villa and 10 points ahead of Spurs.  It would essentially mean the Prem will once again end up as a 2 horse race between us and City.

Have to think, we'll be lining up as follows:

Allison
TAA-Konate-VVD-Gomez
Szobo-MacAllister-Jones
Jota-Nunez-Diaz

[Dougle]

Cheers for the OP Yorky.
Awful news for young Bradley.
Game tomorrow, another massive moment. Momentum will build with a win. It will also pretty much finish off Arsenal as title contenders.
Do it for Conor, for Jurgan, for yourselves, for all of us. A win, a win, my kingdom for a win. 2-1 Reds, the real reds.

[Lynndenberries]

Having our first choice midfield 3 for this will be huge. Need big performances from Alexis and Curtis.

[andy07]

Is Nunez fit?

[RedG13]

Great OP Yorky.

Excited for this game. Wont shock me if Klopp runs almost the same lineup as last game however not worried with whoever he starts. hopefully Nunez is fit for 90 now

[DangerScouse]

Having our first choice midfield 3 for this will be huge. Need big performances from Alexis and Curtis.

Szob is not in the squad apparently.

[SamLad]

Szob is not in the squad apparently.

source?

[Lynndenberries]

Szob is not in the squad apparently.

That’s a huge blow. Do you know why?

[kop306]

if sobo is out trent will play midfield so its not a major problem

[SamLad]

where's this stuff about Dom coming from?

[SamLad]

if sobo is out trent will play midfield so its not a major problem

that'd mean Joe at RB - fine - but will need Robbo to go the 90.

[Snusmumriken]

So potentially Bradley, Szobo and Nunez out from the Chelsea game. Bradley is obviously not participating. Not great, three of our best runners and pressers. Hopefully Nunez makes it and Trent has a better day against Martinelli this time around. Or as a curve ball Gomez starts in RB and Trent takes Szobos position.

[kop306]

robbo should be fine for 90 mins

kostas could be on the bench

rumour on twitter is that sobo has a sickness bug

[Lynndenberries]

We need a flu game from Dom if this is truly a Last Dance season.

[Schmarn]

Would be a big blow if Szobo is sick. Surely if it’s just illness he would be in the squad in case he recovers.

[amir87]

Would be a big blow if Szobo is sick. Surely if it’s just illness he would be in the squad in case he recovers.

Depends how unwell he is.

If he’s pissing out of his arse then I can imagine he’s probably low on energy.

[DangerScouse]

source?

where's this stuff about Dom coming from?

Was posted on a WhatsApp group I'm on via twitter.

[ac]

Apparently Gravenberch is starting instead of Szobozlai which is not ideal particuarly as is off the ball work has not been great this season and he was hit and miss against Norwich