Liverpool and Arsenal - a headline match in any Premier League season. One that most fans of each side would note down as an entertaining encounter. The context of this game, however, should make it an especially intriguing occasion.
Contrasting results set up an enticing contest
Liverpool's record unbeaten run was ended in dramatic fashion with a 3-2 defeat by surprise top four contenders West Ham United, managed by former Everton man David Moyes. One could argue the Reds will be especially eager to bounce back here, though an international break between the two games may be something that works against them as players set off to play in different environments.
Arsenal have had their own turnaround in form after a disappointing start to the season. While this match takes place at Anfield, an intimidating place for any team to go especially with the strength of the current Liverpool squad, the Gunners may fancy their chances of upsetting the odds and reinforcing their own claim for a top four spot.
Stars on both sides looking to impress
Mohammad Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota are just a few of the potent scorers Arsenal will have to be on the lookout for here. All of them have their sights set on goal scoring charts come the end of the season, with Salah's ability to create something out of nothing especially frightening for opposition defenders.
For the away side, though, the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang continue to lurk, awaiting chances to put the ball in the net at a moment's notice. It's interesting then that the main headline-stealers for Arsenal so far this season have been young names like Emile Smith Rowe (surely an England star in the making) and goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, who has arguably surpassed expectations since his £30 million arrival from Sheffield United in the summer.
Should players on both sides play to their full potential here, we are likely to see a few goals in this game and perhaps a result that is, as of this moment, especially difficult to predict.
