When discussing who could finally end Man City’s reign of English football, Arsenal and Liverpool come to mind first. After all, the Reds are the only side that snatched one Premier League trophy during the “Cityzens’ era,” lasting since the 2017/2018 season. On the other hand, Arsenal were close in the past two seasons, finishing second behind Pep Guardiola’s crew.Arteta urges Arsenal to show ‘ruthless mentality’ against LiverpoolThis season, both Liverpool and Arsenal are convinced their time has finally come. The first have been outstanding under Arne Slot, with seven wins and only one defeat since the beginning of the season. An eventual triumph in the derby would move them back to the top spot. The latter have started “choking.” A red for Declan Rice against Brighton, a red for Leandro Trossard against Man City, and a red for William Saliba against Bournemouth, when turned into points, give a precise sum – Arsenal lost seven points in those games, the only ones the Gunners failed to win.Arsenal & Liverpool have 15 goals apiece in this season’s Premier League 🎯 pic.twitter.com/xPEQw1iAEm— LiveScore (@livescore) October 27, 2024 Moreover, Mikel Arteta’s team is under much bigger pressure. Man City are six points ahead, while today’s rivals are four, and the eventual loss would likely mean another season without a Premier League trophy. The list of sidelined players makes the burden even heavier. The aforementioned Saliba will miss the duel, serving the suspension for being sent off last week, while Riccardo Calafiori is also out of the picture, meaning that Ben White or Jakub Kiwior will wait for their chance in the centre of the defence. Yet, Jurrien Timber and, most importantly, Bukayo Saka have been with the team lately, and there’s a possibility we could see them on the pitch, especially considering the circumstances and the importance of the match.Entertainment guaranteed 🍿Arsenal are unbeaten in their last four PL matches vs Liverpool, though the Reds had won the previous four.Who comes out on top Sunday? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/BxYUCMix97— Premier League USA (@PLinUSA) October 25, 2024 Slot will be deprived of Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott, Alisson, and Diogo Jota’s help, which opens space for Darwin Nunez in the attack. The remainder of the Dutchman’s regular starters are ready to play. Hence, Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo will be in charge of goals, supported by the midfield trio – Curtis Jones, Ryan Gravenberch, and Dominik Szoboszlai.Where lies the key to the success of Slot’s Liverpool? Well, in bedRegardless of the smaller pressure, the eventual Reds’ defeat could completely change the season’s momentum and turn the tables. Liverpool failed to beat the Gunners in the previous four clashes and have waited for a victory in the derby since March 2022. Whoever emerges triumphant today will prove worthy of challenging Man City to a title fight, while the eventual draw would put a smile on Guardiola’s face.ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 9Friday Leicester – Nott.Forest 1-3 (1-1)/Vardy 23 – Yates 16, Wood 47, 60/Saturday Aston Villa – Bournemouth 1-1 (0-0)/Barkley 76 – Evanilson 90+6/Brentford – Ipswich 4-3 (2-2)/Wissa 44, Clarke 45+1 og, Mbeumo 51 pen, 90+6 – Szmodics 28, Hirst 31, Delap 86/Brighton – Wolverhampton 2-2 (1-0)/Welbeck 45, Ferguson 85 – Ait-Nouri 88, Cunha 90+3/Man.City – Southampton 1-0 (1-0)/Haaland 5/Everton – Fulham 1-1 (0-0)/Beto 90+4 – Iwobi 61/Sunday 17.00: (1.80) Chelsea (3.70) Newcastle (4.40)17.00: (4.30) Crystal Palace (3.60) Tottenham (1.85)17.00: (3.05) West Ham (3.60) Man.Utd. (2.40)19.30: (2.50) Arsenal (3.45) Liverpool (2.95)***odds are subject to change***
