The Premier League game of the week takes place on Sunday afternoon, when third-placed Arsenal play host to league leaders Liverpool.
After suffering their first defeat of the season at Bournemouth last weekend, the Gunners will have to deal with a host of selection issues for the visit of Arne Slot’s men.
Liverpool have won seven of their opening eight league games, as well as claiming victories in all six of their away matches in all competitions.
Liverpool/Draw – Double Chance @ 1/2
Mohamed Salah – Anytime Goalscorer @ 7/4
Luis Diaz 2+ Shots on Target @ 5/1
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Arteta preparation hampered by problems
Even though it’s October, this clash already looks to be highly significant in the battle for the Premier League title and Arsenal have some questions to answer.
The defeat at Bournemouth was their first loss of the season, but the Gunners conceded first against Southampton and leaked two goals in their home win over Leicester.
The hosts will definitely be without William Saliba, following his red card last week, while Riccardo Calafiori is also likely to miss out, having picked up a muscle problem in the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk.
With Martin Odegaard still missing and Bukayo Saka a major doubt, there are big decisions – both selection wise and tactically – facing the Arsenal boss.
Liverpool will feel they can take advantage of a weakened Gunners line-up, especially having secured another confidence-boosting away win in Leipzig on Wednesday.
It’s also worth noting that the Reds have won in four of their last six visits to the Emirates in all competitions.
Liverpool/Draw – Double Chance @ 1/2
Salah can take another step to legend status
With five league goals already this term, Mohamed Salah looks like competing for the Golden Boot again, in what could be his last season at Liverpool.
The 32-year-old is currently 10th in the all-time Premier League goalscorers list and a goal on Sunday can see him overtake Jermain Defoe and draw level with another Reds great, Robbie Fowler.
That will provide extra incentive for Salah, who has scored 10 goals in 16 games against Arsenal – nine for Liverpool and one for Chelsea.
Salah was taken off in the second half of Wednesday’s European success, which is a rarity, and will be determined to score a first league goal in open play since his strike at Man Utd in early September.
Mohamed Salah – Anytime Goalscorer @ 7/4
Fresh Diaz can pose a threat
After an electric start to the season, Luis Diaz appeared to be suffering from fatigue prior to and during the recent international break.
Slot decided to start the winger on the bench against both Chelsea and RB Leipzig, so he should be fresh for Sunday’s trip to the capital.
Diaz already has five goals to his name this season and has also enjoyed some success at the Emirates in recent times.
He played a key role in disrupting the Arsenal backline for Gabriel’s own goal in this fixture last season, while the Colombian scored the second goal in a 2-0 FA Cup win at the Emirates earlier this year.
Luis Diaz 2+ Shots on Target @ 5/1
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