Jorginho return can trigger role change for Arsenal star vs
Liverpool as Zinchenko risk remains
The first of three games in eight days for Arsenal begins
this weekend as they face Liverpool this weekend in a game that will have huge
implications at the top of the Premier League table.
Interestingly with Aston Villa in action against Sheffield
United on Friday night, there's a scenario where a draw at Anfield means Unai
Emery's side lead the way at Christmas. Although, should there be a winner on
Saturday evening then that side is guaranteed to be top on Monday.
The north London outfit head into the game on the back of an
impressive 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion last weekend and know if they
manage to record a win at Anfield in the Premier League for the first time
since 2012 means they'll be number one on Christmas Day for the second
successive year.
Five days after the trip to Merseyside, Arsenal will welcome
West Ham United to the Emirates Stadium and squad rotation is going to be key
with the games coming in quick succession, although Mikel Arteta isn't expected
to have Jurrien Timber, Takehiro Tomiyasu or Fabio Vieira available for
selection during the festive period.
Unlike Liverpool, the Gunners have had almost a week to
prepare for this fixture which means Arteta can name an unchanged team for a
third Premier League game in a row. Having said that, he could be in a position
to welcome back one or two senior players which can lead to some alterations in
the matchday squad.
Facing one of the 'big six' clubs away from home marks another
test of Arsenal's title credentials and therefore, football.london takes a look
at the changes Arteta could make to either his starting XI or matchday squad
for the big game against Liverpool.
Rice role change
The role of Declan Rice in Arsenal's midfield could change at
Anfield especially if games against the other 'big six' sides this season are
any indication as the £105million summer signing operated slightly higher
against Manchester City and Chelsea, not to mention the Newcastle United clash
too.
Having said that, he did continue in his usual number six
role for the Gunners' last away game in the Premier League against Aston Villa
almost a fortnight ago and with Kai Havertz finding some goalscoring form,
there's a decision for Arteta to make. Ultimately though, a change for Rice
depends on the return of another midfielder.
Jorginho return
In the absence of Thomas Partey, Jorginho has started for
Arsenal alongside Rice in midfield against Man City, Chelsea and Newcastle this
season. However, after missing the win over Brighton last week, naturally he is
a doubt to face Liverpool but he's optimistic of returning sooner rather than
later.
Should the Italy international be passed fit and subsequently
included in the Gunners' matchday squad for the trip to Anfield he could be in
contention for a start or replace youngster Myles Lewis-Skelly on the
substitutes bench.
Zinchenko dilemma
If Tomiyasu was fit and available for selection, it wouldn't
have been a surprise if he was handed a start at Anfield as he's defensively
stronger than Oleksandr Zinchenko which is ideal considering the threat
Liverpool pose down their right-hand side in Mohamed Salah in particular.
But barring a miraculous recovery, the Japan international
won't be in contention for Saturday so Zinchenko is likely to start at
left-back. Or will he? Well, as defensive options are quite thin for Arsenal at
the moment the only other senior option at Arteta's disposal is Jakub Kiwior.
This could be worth serious consideration because of
Zinchenko's lapses in concentration in recent weeks. Furthermore, he's already
been hauled off at half-time in one big away game (Chelsea), overlooked to
start in another (Newcastle) and didn't have the best of times on his last
visit to Anfield.
Source: Arsenal- Football.London
