Liverpool head to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday knowing they will need a win over Arsenal to revitalise their waning top-four challenge.
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Brendan Rodgers’ side slumped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in the last round of Premier League fixtures, a result that leaves them five points behind the Red Devils in fourth and six behind Arsenal.
A loss in north London could be the final nail in the coffin for the Reds hopes of securing Champions League football for a second successive season so we can therefore expect a battling performance from the Merseyside club.
Here’s the line-up we think Rodgers will pick to do just that:
GK: Simon Mignolet
After a shaky first half to the season, Mignolet has firmly put doubts over his ability and temperament to bed with some brilliant displays since January, and that may just prevent him being given his marching orders in the summer.
RCB: Emre Can
Liverpool’s signing of the season – especially in terms of value for money and future prospects. It will be up to him to keep quiet Arsenal’s interchangeable wingers, likely Alexis Sanchez down the Gunners left.
CB: Kolo Toure
In Skrtel’s absence the veteran Toure should be recalled to the starting XI. Though not as completely secure, the Ivorian has done exceptionally well when requested this season – most notably against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu.
LCB: Mamdou Sakho
It didn’t look good for the Frenchman when he was storming out of Anfield after being unselected against Everton in September, but much in the same way Liverpool’s season has almost resurrected, Sakho too has shown just why Liverpool spent £18 million on him in 2013, according to BBC.
RM/RWB: Lazar Markovic
With Adam Lallana likely to be just short of fitness to warrant a start, Rodgers could shift around the side that lost to United bringing Markovic in at wing-back whilst putting Sterling back in the front three.
CM: Jordan Henderson
Henderson has spoken of his desire to be the man leading this Liverpool side on to greatness and his teammates will be looking for an inspired performance to head the charge back from the brink of missing out on next season’s Champions League.
CM: Joe Allen
With Gerrard’s enforced absence, Allen should again start in the middle and keep the play ticking over for the Reds. He’ll have to be at his enigmatic and battling best to handle the tricks of the Arsenal midfielders, particularly the dancing feet of Cazorla.
LM/LWB: Alberto Moreno
Perhaps the international break came at the right time for the Spaniard who was looking tired and in need of a rest – but take nothing away of his brilliant displays in the second half of the season after a slight dip in form throughout the winter period.
RW: Raheem Sterling
It’ll be interesting to hear the reaction from both Liverpool and Arsenal fans to Sterling during this game given his contract troubles and positive comments towards a move to the Gunners.
The England international will want an impressive performance to silence any boo-boys and keep his head firmly in the game.
CF: Daniel Sturridge
A hip injury looked to have ruled him out for a month but Sturridge looks like he will play through the pain barrier to try and ensure the Reds realise their top-four ambitions.
LW: Philippe Coutinho
He was uninspiring for Brazil last weekend but was being played out of position by Dunga, should be back to his waspish and imperious best against the Gunners who he has a penchant for a goal and assist.