The Premier League returns this weekend with Liverpool welcoming Arsenal to Anfield.
It’s set to be a tough encounter for the Reds with Arsenal proving the division’s current most in-form side.
Since starting the season with three consecutive defeats, the worst of which was a 5-0 hammering at the hands of Manchester City, Mikel Arteta’s men have managed to find their groove.
They are currently undefeated in eight league matches, though that record stretches to ten across all competitions.
The Gunners have also picked up more points than any other side since that defeat to Pep Guardiola’s men.
Their success in that time has been predominantly built on a robust defence that has conceded just four goals, and accumulated xG-against of just 7.83 - only Chelsea’s is lower during this period.
Despite their improvements though, Liverpool represent a real test to Arsenal’s unbeaten record.
Right now, Jurgen Klopp’s men have scored more league goals and attempted more shots than any other side.
Although their front line is littered with elite international players, it’s Mohamed Salah who looks set to cause the North Londoners the most problems this weekend.
The Egyptian international has already bagged a remarkable ten league goals and a further six assists. While against Arsenal, he’s scored four times across the last four head-to-head meetings.
And there’s a good chance he’ll punish them again this weekend, especially considering the selection dilemma Arteta faces in that area of the pitch.
Kieran Tierney’s return from injury means that he’ll have a decision about whether to start the consistent Scot or stick with Nuno Tavares, who has performed impressively in his absence.
After being picked up for the relatively small fee of just £6.8million in the summer, Tavares was thrown into the deep end shortly after arriving with Tierney picking up an ankle injury just six weeks into the season. He adapted almost instantly though and proved to be a real attacking outlet for them.
Against Liverpool though, attacking freedom may have to be tapered, and defensive responsibility increased.
Tierney’s defensive ability and experience might be decisive in Arteta handing him the start this weekend.
However, having not played in the Premier League for over a month, there’s a chance the Scotland international could be a little rusty, even if he benefited from playing in fixtures against Moldova and Denmark for his nation over the international break.
Any defender not at their very best risks being punished by the Egyptian given his current form, therefore don’t be surprised to see him get the better of the Arsenal man and have a decisive say in the result when the two teams meet this weekend.
