Football News: Liverpool Team v Arsenal

Liverpool Team v Arsenal

Before I get into what I expect the team to be, my thoughts on any remaining transfer business. Guehi, £35M is a fair offer and gives Crystal Palace a tricky dilemma. I suspect they'll accept, but will want to sign at least one player, probably two before opening the fire exit for Guehi.

They may well look to loan a centre half from somewhere, but Liverpool are highly unlikely to include Gomez as they would still be one short at CH if they did that. If Palace say no, a late pivot to Brentford's Nathan Collins is not out of the question. Basically, a lot of moving parts here and it could even end up with Collins and Guehi in with Gomez out on loan to Palace, then returning next summer to take Konate's place.

Isak again is tricky, but if you read between the lines it would seem Liverpool have made their full and final offer and walked away to leave Newcastle to ruminate. They look to have Woltimade in the building and should squeeze Brentford hard for Wissa - a wildcard solution would be Dusan Vlahovic or possibly Ademola Lookman. Personally I think it will be just be the fat, 'German Peter Crouch' and they will look for a loan deal after the window closes.

At some point on Monday, Isak will be allowed to leave. Fee will (probably) be undisclosed - it will be the offer made previously, Newcastle press will suggest 120M+ with add ons to reach approx 135M. Sky will make out it's a mad race against time and the paperwork will be signed off just before the 'window slams shut' #MindYourFingers Most exciting deadline day since Suarez and Carroll signed.

Team v Arsenal:

Alisson - barring injury he will start every League and UEFA Champions League fixture.

Konate-Virgil-Kerkez is pretty much certain, Kerkez needs the game time to get comfortable with his teammates and the style of play.

Right Back is probably still too early for Bradley or Gomez to start. I think Szoboszlai will play RB once again following his MOTM performance on Monday evening.

Gravenberch-MacAllister-Wirtz in midfield. Wirtz has admitted the pace and intensity of the league has taken him by surprise. I think you need to keep playing him as he adjusts. I expect him to be much more involved against Arsenal as they will be more inclined to actually play football in between the long throws and set pieces.

Incidentally, why has the long throw suddenly had a resurgence in popularity? Throw ins are the scourge of the modern game for me, long throws are ugly, short throws are an excuse for moving down the pitch 10 yards and / or time wasting. If goalkeepers are allowed just 8 seconds to make a goal kick, then teams should be allowed just 8 seconds to take a throw. Even better would be to scrap throw ins entirely and make it a 'kick in' or 'dribble in' or 'pass in'. Anyway, enough ranting.

Gakpo-Ekitike-Salah would complete my XI.

It's possible that Arne Slot will utilise the 4 man midfield tomorrow if Bradley is good to go from the start. That would mean leaving out one of Gakpo, Ekitike and Salah, which I don't think he'll want to do. However, he may switch to it in the second half to give Arteta something different to deal with.

Another intense game ahead, which will likely be won by the more potent attack on the day. With Saka likely out and maybe Odegaard too, Liverpool should be strong favourites for another win and a 2 point lead at the top of the table heading into the international break.

"Free the Newcastle Nine".

Written by RedAK August 31 2025 11:32:44