In the FA Cup third round, a captivating matchup features Arsenal, the competition’s most successful team with 14 titles, against current Premier League leaders Liverpool, winners of the FA Cup on eight occasions. This game mirrors their recent league encounter that ended in a 1-1 draw just before Christmas. While Arsenal has stumbled in the intense Premier League title race, losing their last two games, Liverpool has thrived under pressure, securing victories in their previous two outings.For Arsenal, the return to FA Cup action at the Emirates Stadium brings optimism as they’ve been incredibly resilient in this setting, losing only three of their last 49 home FA Cup matches (winning 36, drawing 10). Manager Mikel Arteta aims to capitalize on this strong home record to extend their recent success against Liverpool in the FA Cup, having won the last three encounters between these sides in this competition.Arsenal and Liverpool see each other three times in 44 days. Can’t escape each other 😒 pic.twitter.com/9AwWUXWkrV— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 6, 2024 However, Liverpool poses a significant challenge to Arsenal’s formidable home FA Cup record. Their ambition is to progress beyond this stage for the 12th time in their last 13 attempts in the tournament. Jürgen Klopp faces the challenge of devising a winning strategy without the services of Mohamed Salah, who will be away on Africa Cup of Nations duties before this fixture.The Reds must maintain their strong away form without their key player, Salah, having won three of their last four away matches (losing one). This aligns with their recent performances at the Emirates, winning three successive games without conceding before suffering a 3-2 defeat in the Premier League last season.Key players to watch include Bukayo Saka for Arsenal, who scored two of their three goals in their previous meeting with Liverpool and has shown a knack for scoring at home, netting 17 of his last 23 goals there. On the other side, Diogo Jota of Liverpool has been influential in their scoring during their previous four visits to the Emirates, contributing directly to six goals in that time (scoring five and providing one assist).##NAJAVA_MECA_7781562##Liverpool’s midfielder, Dominik Szoboszlai, is set to be absent from the FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal today due to a hamstring injury.The 23-year-old Hungarian sustained the injury during Monday’s victory over Newcastle United, exiting the game after 64 minutes.Klopp confirmed the setback, stating, “It’s not a potential injury – it is an injury. Muscle, hamstring. But now we have to wait and see.”Adding to Liverpool’s injury list are Thiago Alcantara, Andy Robertson, Stefan Bajcetic, Joel Matip, and Kostas Tsimikas.Liverpool’s ability to manage without the influential duo remains uncertain despite leading the Premier League standings.FA CUP1/32 FINALSSunday17:00: (3.50) Shrewsbury (3.45) Wrexham (2.10)17:00: (1.42) West Ham (4.50) Bristol City (7.75)17:00: (1.30) WBA (5.90) Aldershot (9.00)17:00: (5.40) Peterborough (3.80) Leeds (1.65)17:00: (1.73) Luton (3.60) Bolton (5.10)17:00: (1.05) Man.City (14.0) Huddersfield (35.0)17:00: (1.38) Nott.Forest (4.80) Blackpool (8.50)19:30: (2.05) Arsenal (3.50) Liverpool (3.50)Monday23:15: (9.50) Wigan (5.70) Man.Utd. (1.25)***odds are subject to change***
