By Frank Kamuntu
Arsenal face Liverpool in a blockbuster FA Cup clash at Emirates Stadium.
The two Premier League title rivals will lock horns in the pick of the third-round ties.
Arsenal need a boost after back-to-back defeats to West Ham and Fulham, while Liverpool will be out to land a psychological blow on their title rivals.
Liverpool will be without Mohamed Salah for the first time after he joined up with the Egypt squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal vs Liverpool team news
Gabriel Jesus (knee) and Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) are injury doubts for Arsenal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is heading to the Asian Cup shortly before Sunday’s game. Mohamed Elneny has also left for the Africa Cup of Nations whereas Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira will not be fit in time to play. Jurrien Timber is still a long-term absentee.
Arteta could put out a strong side ahead of a 13-day winter break before their next game, but back-to-back defeats have called into question the form and fitness of some of his starters.
Liverpool have begun a month without Salah and Wataru Endo while Dominik Szoboszlai is out having come off with a hamstring issue during the win over Newcastle.
Klopp was expected to rotate his team but hinted at also fielding a strong lineup in his pre-match press conference.
The Reds remain without Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, Andy Robertson, Kostas Tsimikas, Ben Doak and Joel Matip.
Prediction
The Merseysiders will feel the absence of Salah but, of course, be competitive even with a rotated side.
Nonetheless Arsenal should be able to make home advantage count to seal their spot in round four.
One thing is for sure, as the old saying goes: neither side will want a replay!
Arsenal to win, 2-1.
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3):
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz.
Arsenal Possible Lineup:
Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.
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