Arne Slot has two wins and already has a clear idea of his best eleven. He must pick correctly because Arsenal poses a bigger and different threat than previous opponents. Several Liverpool players have shown early-season promise and aim to perform on a larger stage. Hugo Ekitike has starred in matches against Bournemouth and Newcastle, scoring twice, contributing in build-up play, finishing and hold-up play, and his withdrawal against Newcastle coincided with a dip in performance. Virgil van Dijk remains indispensable as captain and defensive anchor, especially with Ibrahima Konate struggling, and will mark Viktor Gyokeres if fit.
With two wins on the board, Arne Slot already has a good idea of who constitutes his best eleven already. It will be important though that he picks right as Arsenal offer a bigger and different threat than anyone Liverpool have faced so far. Many Reds players have shown great promise in the early stages of the season, and will be hoping to continue that on an even bigger stage. These four must start against the Gunners.
The man you talk about most during a game but always seems to have the limelight stolen at the end. Ekitike has starred in both of Liverpool's matches against AFC Bournemouth and Newcastle United scoring two goals. His build-up play as well as his lethal finishing has helped him to already cement his place in the team. The 23-year-old has also shown amazing hold up play, particularly when Liverpool's backline need a 'get out of jail' option.
Arguably the first name on the team sheet, Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk is so important to the team. The 34-year-old is one of the best defenders in Liverpool's history, and has been consistent for the past eight years. These days, himself and Alisson Becker seem to be digging their teammates out of trouble on a regular basis. Ibrahima Konate in particular has started the season looking out of sorts defensively, thus van Dijk has become even more important.
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