Eze starts, Merino given the nod as Odegaard misses out – Arsenal lineups vs Liverpool

Arsenal take on Liverpool at Anfield in a massive early fixture in the new campaign, looking for a first league win on the ground since Mikel Arteta himself was an Arsenal player. There was plenty of excitement going into the press conference ahead of the game, but a grounding reality with news around the latest injuries.

Arteta addressed as many as seven different players already affected by problems during the new season, with the majority of whom who’s issues have emerged in the opening two games. However, the depth that has been signed in the transfer window means the Spaniard is far better equipped for the challenge.

There is a chance of a debut for Eberechi Eze, the latest of the summer signings, but also for some of the players less-used so far and rotated in to take on the champions. With that in mind, football.london's writers give their thoughts on who should start in this blockbuster affair.

Tom Canton

What a massive game so early on in the Premier League campaign as Arsenal’s tough start continues. A win at Anfield and suddenly, supporters will be dreaming of a title without even seeing out the month of August.

Of course, Mikel Arteta would have preferred to have the likes of Kai Havertz, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, and Christian Norgaard available, but there is a good chance none of them will be fit. Even Martin Odegaard has not trained this week, and so goes into the match as a doubt.

The remarkable recruitment push this summer, however, does mean that it is obvious who starts, which benefits Mikel Arteta. For me I’d Eze straight into the action in place of the captain and Gabriel Martinelli’s pace on the counter is always a threat in this fixture.

Elsewhere, Noni Madueke is the natural replacement for Bukayo Saka, but Max Dowman will be on hand to provide a shock value impact from the bench. While everything else remains unchanged, and until the fixture list thickens, I expect that to be the case.

Canton’s Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Martinelli, Gyokeres.

Sam Truelove

Make no mistake about it - this is a huge game for both Arsenal and Liverpool. Both sides will feel they can come away from Anfield with three points, but it could also be a very cagey affair.

We know Mikel Arteta's side are dealing with some injury issues, but their squad is now big enough to cope. I do think the big one could be Martin Odegaard, though, although part of me thinks the Gunners captain is fit enough to play. If not, I would avoid the temptation of throwing in Eberechi Eze and instead play Mikel Merino. The Spaniard's height and physical qualities could be the difference. Eze, too, could make a real impact off the bench.

Gabriel Martinelli seems to love playing against Liverpool, and a goal on Merseyside could really silence his critics. Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, who should play in place of Bukayo Saka, will also fancy their chances against a Liverpool backline which has looked shaky.

Truelove's Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.

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