Liverpool have already faced two of the ‘big six’ this season in the Community Shield (losing on penalties to Man City) and the UEFA Super Cup (beating Chelsea on penalties), but their fixture against Arsenal next week will be their first heavyweight encounter in the league.

The Reds won 5-1 in the corresponding fixture last season, but the Gunners will have more firepower this time around with the additions of Nicolas Pepe and Dani Ceballos.

Liverpool have not been beaten in the league at home for 40 games, and while you would expect Unai Emery’s side to put in a better performance than last season, they still have some major weaknesses. Like many sides Arsenal need time for new signings to get used to their new surroundings but they did get off to a winning start after beating Newcastle in their first League fixture 1-0 at St James’ Park as Steve Bruce took charge of the Magpies for the first time following Rafa Benitez’s departure to coach in China.

Keeping a clean sheet and winning away from home were two things Arsenal had big trouble doing last season so Emery must be happy with their first game this season beating Newcastle compared to last year where they lost to Man City and Chelsea to start their League campaign.

Whether David Luiz will actually be able to shore up the London club’s defence, and prevent Liverpool’s front three from firing, it does seem questionable. If I was betting on football for this big game between top 6 rivals, I would certainly be tempted to put some money on the home side.

The Reds will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alisson, though, so it will be interesting to see whether his understudy Adrian will be up to the task. He may have played well in the Super Cup but the Spaniard is a significant downgrade on the club’s number one but will surely be full of confidence after helping his new side to lift another trophy.

Predicted Score – 3-2 to Liverpool – Join Our Predictor League Here And Potentially Win £500.