Paul Merson believes Liverpool have a major advantage in Saturday’s clash with Arsenal, with the Gunners placing all of their eggs in the Europa League basket.
That’s the view of Paul Merson, who thinks Mikel Arteta could rest as many as five players for the visit of the champions.
It is likely Arsenal will need to win the Europa League in order to secure European football, while Liverpool remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.
"It's a huge game for Jurgen Klopp and his side in the race for Champions League football next season,” Merson told Sky Sports.
"On the other hand, I don't think it's as big a game for Arsenal. They play Slavia Prague next week in the Europa League and it's hard to see them having much interest in the game against Liverpool at all.
"I'd expect at least five of the players who are going to be playing next Thursday to not play in this game.
"All Arsenal's eggs are in one basket now. There is no point in them beating Liverpool and then getting beat by Slavia Prague. That's no value to them at all.
"Top four is out of the window in the league. There are too many teams above them, even if they went on a bit of a run.
"But after the quarter-final draw, they have a fantastic chance of doing something in the Europa League."
He added: "Liverpool have got to win this game. They have to get Champions League football for next season.
"People tell me they don't but of course they do. It's Liverpool.
"I'd say Anfield and then Celtic Park are the best two atmospheres on European nights in the whole of Europe.
"Europe wants Liverpool in just for that reason."
Chelsea face relegation-threatened West Brom in the early kick-off on Saturday and know a win will see them move eight points ahead of Liverpool with as many games to play.
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