Liverpool manager believes Gunners will test their strength

Jurgen Klopp believes Arsene Wenge’s men still represent a huge test for his team’s Premier League title credentials despite their UEFA Champions League absence.

The North London club finished a disappointing fifth in the English Premier League last campaign and failed to finish in top four, thereby failed to qualify for European football’s top competition for the first time since manager Arsene Wenger took over as head coach back in 1996.

But the former Dortmund tactician maintains Wenger’s men are still one of Premier league’s best teams and expects a difficult match despite defeating then home and away last season.

The Reds strolled to a UEFA Champions League qualifying win over Hoffenheim on Wednesday with a good attacking display. Questions have however been raised over the strength of the team’s defense, although Jurgen Klopp said he is pleased with the outing of his defensive line so far this season.

The Merseysiders will again be without Brazilian attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho who is still out injured. Liverpool will also examine the fitness of Emre Can and Trent Alexander-Arnold after both players sustained knocks in the win over Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

Arsenal and Wenger will be boosted by the return of contract rebel Alexis Sanchez and defender Laurent Koscielny. Koscielny has not featured competitively for the Gunners since he was red carded in the last Premier League match of last season against another Merseyside club Everton.