Latest Liverpool news as former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has made his prediction for Sunday’s game against Arsenal and named the six players vital to the Reds’ title chances
Chris Sutton has named the six players who have been key to Liverpool’s recent form – and has made a prediction for the clash against Arsenal.
The Reds are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table after their 4-1 win over Chelsea on Wednesday night. Both Arsenal and Manchester City are five points behind Liverpool in the standings, with City also having a game in hand.
Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz were both on the scoresheet against Chelsea, while Darwin Nunez provided an assist after striking the woodwork a record four times in a Premier League match. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson had to settle for spots on the bench but did make cameo appearances in the victory.
Mohamed Salah remains on the sidelines with an injury, and the club are yet to put an exact timeframe on when the forward will return to action. It’s these six players that Sutton used to highlight Liverpool’s current situation.
“Liverpool look in great shape at the moment,” Sutton wrote for BBC Sport. “They really impressed me against Chelsea, and they have still got Mohamed Salah to come back from the injury he picked up at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both came off the bench on Wednesday as they return to full fitness and, without those three players, the Reds have shown they have still got the strength in depth they will need in the run-in.
“There were loads of other positives, too. I know Darwin Nunez didn’t score, but he still carried a massive threat and did a lot of good things. Then you have got Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota looking sharp, and Liverpool’s midfield were excellent as well.”
Sutton went on to make a prediction for Sunday’s game between Liverpool and Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Despite Sutton highlighting Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal, the former striker has explained why he believes the Reds will lose 2-1 to the Gunners.
“Arsenal, on the other hand, did not really fire against Nottingham Forest on Tuesday but they still got the job done, which is the important thing,” said Sutton.
“We’ve already seen how close it is between these two sides when they’ve met before this season, and the Gunners missed a load of chances when Liverpool came to the Emirates and won in the FA Cup last month.
“Mikel Arteta’s side still don’t have a centre-forward but, this time, I think they will finish some of the opportunities they create.
“I’m still not entirely sure why I am going with Arsenal to win this game, because Liverpool will score too, but the Gunners definitely need the points more and I think they will just about do enough to get them.”
