With Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel both suspended, and other fitness doubts ahead of the international break, here’s the likely Liverpool team to face Arsenal.
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Simon Mignolet
Mignolet has been in excellent form since his return to the starting XI, and despite regular criticism of his technical ability, the Belgian goalkeeper handled a short Emre Can backpass in remarkably cool fashion in the match against Manchester United. Saved a Wayne Rooney penalty too, and is far and away our best goalkeeper.
Emre Can
Other than the blip mentioned above, Emre Can has been a revelation at Liverpool since moving into the heart of the defence. Despite fears he’d suffer aerially against Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini, Can held his own -showing he can manage both physical and technical confrontations. While Steven Gerrard’s injury could leave a vacancy in midfield, the expected absences of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren mean Can will continue to be required in the back line.
Kolo Toure
Given the likely suspension of Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren’s abdominal strain, Kolo Toure is likely to be the man called upon. Hailed as a superb free transfer earlier in the season, the emergence of other players has resulted in the Ivorian’s first team place being taken away. Let’s hope he can swiftly get back into the swing of things – starting with the match against his former club Arsenal.
Mamadou Sakho
Because Mamadou Sakho seems somewhat ungainly, everyone appears to think he’s poor technically. In reality, the opposite is true – he might not be graceful, but he’s a formidable defensive unit whose comfort on the ball is regularly underestimated.