Liverpool welcome Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday and before the game, former Reds man John Barnes has a piece of advice for Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds legend admits that Liverpool will have the upper hand during the high-profile clash but he has also warned Jurgen Klopp and Arsenal’s attacking prowess under their new manager.
Barnes feels that in order to negate the attacking threat from Arsenal, Klopp will have to play a three-man midfield.
And in order to do that, summer signing Xherdan Shaqiri needs to be axed.
“Arsenal have defensive frailties but they’re also very good going forward, so Liverpool need that extra hardworking defensive midfield player,” Barnes said.
“With Shaqiri playing well, yes going forward we can expose their frailties at the back, however, you also have to give Arsenal credit.
“I would be very surprised if he doesn’t revert back to his tried and tested midfield three.
“Xhaka is not a centre back. If he plays there against Liverpool, that will give Liverpool a lot of hope because that’s not his position and he’s not particularly quick.
“Arsenal still play quite an attacking open game, which no team wants to do against Liverpool.
“If they do that, Liverpool will give them problems. They don’t change to try and take care of the opposition.
“They work hard all over the field, they close down in front, I don’t think they’ll try to do anything different just because Aubameyang is a good player.
“I will go for 3-1 Liverpool.”
A win for Liverpool would mean that they will end the first half of the season unbeaten in the Premier League and will also maintain that six-point gap at the top of the table.
Read: With as many as nine first injuries Unai Emery will have a nightmare while naming his first XI vs Liverpool.
Read: Arsenal’s top defensive target is seen in London and the Gunners fans are losing their minds.
