Preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Arsenal host Liverpool in the Premier League match of the weekend under Emirates’ floodlights on Monday night.

The Gunners can take heart from last weekend’s win at Crystal Palace, and not just because they picked up their first three points of the season. The 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park was a real battle and Arsenal showed the fighting qualities that a top team needs to succeed.

According to the stats, the Gunners played much the same way as they did against West Ham on the opening day, but the difference this time was that they had a cutting edge.

Arsene Wenger will know that this had a lot to do with Alexis Sanchez and his importance can’t be underestimated. The French boss is expected to keep a similar team to last week but could be tempted to include Theo Walcott in place of Aaron Ramsey to add a little more pace.

Olivier Giroud will start up front on his 100th appearance for the club and his 42 goals so far is a decent return for a striker that is often criticised.

Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck all remain sidelined but there are no new injury worries.

Liverpool come into the game with maximum points to their name and a large reason for this has been down to Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren at the back.

The two centre-backs will continue their partnership but Alberto Moreno could be given a start in midfield after his impressive cameo against Bournemouth.

Jordan Henderson is a doubt after coming off with a foot injury against the Cherries, and if the captain fails a late fitness test, he will probably be replaced by Emre Can, who will hope to do better than in this same fixture last year when he received a red card.

Roberto Firmino is still awaiting his first start and Brendan Rodgers could be tempted to include him in place of either Jordon Ibe or Adam Lallana, who have made slow starts to the campaign.

With only one win at the Emirates in the previous nine visits, Liverpool will look to striker Christian Benteke to live up to his price tag and change this record. Daniel Sturridge, Joe Allen and Jon Flanagan all remain out.

League Position: Arsenal – 11th, 3pts; Liverpool – 5th, 6pts
Last Meeting: Arsenal 4-1 Liverpool, April 2015
Form: Arsenal – LW; Liverpool – WW
Key Men: Arsenal – Alexis Sanchez; Liverpool – Christian Benteke

Shoot says: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool