Premier League match-day 20 is here and clubs are currently preparing for their respective fixtures. The most eye-catching fixture for this weekend is surely the one taking place at Anfield stadium where high-flying Liverpool will take on inconsistent Arsenal.
The Gunners aren’t as wonderful as they were during the early part of the season, though, injury has taken a toll on them.
The North London clubs have at least seven players in their injury list and that has played a great part in their recent uninspiring performances.
Unlucky Emery has lost four of his regular starters — mostly defenders — to injury and he’s being forced to change to a 3-man defense in recent matches.
With the Reds high goalscoring form, Emery and his men know they need to be on top of their game if they must leave Anfield with a positive result on Saturday.
Jurgen Klopp’s strikers are doing magnificently and it would take a very resolute defending from the Gunners backline to stop them from finding Bernd Leno’s net. The question is — Can Arsenal defenders do the job against Liverpool’s deadly frontline?
POOR LICHTSTEINER
Emery shocked many Arsenal fans, indeed every football lovers, when he completed the signing of 34-year-old Lichtsteiner from Juventus in the summer transfer market.
After criticizing the Spaniard for bringing an ageing defender to a League that requires much strength and athleticism, the fans later realize that Lichtsteiner was just to add experience to the team and maybe feature against minnows.
However, recent injury crises rocking the team has forced the manager into drafting the former Bianconeri defender in his starting lineup.
You can’t offer what you don’t possess, the 34-year-old has never performed up to the level we all want from him.
He could be blamed for Brighton’s equalizer in their 1-1 draw during the week as his woeful clearance fell in front of Jurgen Locadia who made no mistake to pounce on the loose ball.
TIME FOR MAITLAND-NILE TO REGAIN HIS SPOT IN THE FIRST XI
The 21-year-old right-back was a regular starter during Wenger’s time at Emirates Stadium, however, he’s lost his place in the team since Emery takes over.
The England international has played only two League games for so far this season and he was lively in both games.
The fact that the Gunners are up against very speedy attackers including Sadio Mane at the left flank, Unai Emery must start a young and pacy right-back who can cope with the Senegalese pace.
Maitland-Nile is the best man for the job and Emery should never think of starting Lichtsteiner ahead of the Hale end academy products.
Apart from his defensive abilities, the 21-year-old seamlessly join the attack which would be an added advantage to the Gunners at the final third of the pitch.
Tomorrow’s clash might appear too big for the youngster who is just returning back to his best form, however, Maitland-Nile looks more decent than Lichtsteiner if you would ask me.
I’m a freelance blogger, and a seasoned web designer and developer, PC Producer specializes in creating visually stunning, user-friendly websites that reflect each client’s unique brand identity. Our services include web design, web development, SEO optimization, and e-commerce solutions, all tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients.