'I think': Rio Ferdinand picks who he thinks will win between Arsenal and Liverpool this weekend
He's '100%' confident ????
Arsenal’s clash with Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium this weekend is perfectly poised, a game that already feels like an early season title-decider.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side haven’t been at their fluent best since returning from the international break, partly because two of their most important players have been missing.
The Gunners might be without Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard when Liverpool come to visit, something Arne Slot certainly won’t be disappointed about.
William Saliba is also suspended for the tie, supporting the idea that Darwin Nunez might have a big role to play in north London.
Nunez was excellent against RB Leipzig when deputising for Diogo Jota on Wednesday evening, a performance that Arteta will certainly be taking note of.
Rio Ferdinand explains why Liverpool will beat Arsenal away from home
That being said, during TNT Sports’ coverage of the Champions League, Rio Ferdinand shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s chances of beating Arsenal away from home.
Ferdinand mentioned the amount of injuries that Arsenal have right now and said he was ‘100 per cent’ backing Liverpool to win.
READ MORE: Paul Merson ‘disappointed’ with what £190k-a-week Arsenal player has done ahead of Liverpool clash
He explained: “I think on form, momentum, I would say 100 per cent Liverpool. I think they’re the team you look at and think they’re in a better position.
“In terms of injuries, Arsenal seem decimated in that sense and they haven’t got the momentum at the moment. So, they’re not firing on all cylinders, they’re not the Arsenal of last season at the moment.
“I think the tide has turned a bit right now. We’re only a few games into the season but right now, here, I’d say Liverpool would be the favourite.”
Mikel Arteta might be tempted to start Ethan Nwaneri
Of course, if Arsenal are to win despite the players they might be missing, Arteta will need to get his tactics spot on.
To that end, Ian Wright thought Arteta should have started Ethan Nwaneri during the recent loss to Bournemouth.
Arteta was criticised by fans for not choosing a more daring team on the south coast, with many perceiving his line up to be three defensive midfielders ahead of four centre-backs.
That being said, had Arsenal won the game and not gone down to 10 men, there would be very few complaints.
In fact, Gabriel Martinelli could have still won the game for the Gunners at 0-0, the kind of moment that perhaps swings a title-race.
What's Your Reaction?
