THE DETAILS

Venue – Emirates Stadium, London

Referee – Paul Tierney

Date & Time – Wednesday, July 15th @ 20:15

Current Odds – Arsenal 11/4, Draw 14/5, Liverpool 17/20

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Three games remain. Two wins and a draw will take Liverpool to 100 points, equalling Manchester City’s record from 2017/18. Winning all three fixtures would take The Reds to a staggering 102 points.

After last season’s 97 points, and now this season’s title-winning performance, there’s little else can be said about Jürgen Klopp’s more-than-mighty Redmen. Absolutely staggering.

FORM

Arsenal Form

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team have won four, drawn one and lost three games in all competitions since June.

The Gunners will certainly have one eye on Saturday evening’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City when they face Liverpool.

Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Europa League are quickly disappearing after they lost 2-1 to Spurs in the north London derby on Sunday.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool have won three, drawn two and lost one since returning to Premier League action in June. The 1-1 draw with Burnley was the team’s first dropped points at Anfield in over a year and a half.

The Reds should have beaten Burnley and actually played quite well to create so many opportunities against a side employing such a low block defensive approach. However, a combination of poor finishing and a great performance from Burnley’s Nick Pope meant Klopp’s men had to settle for just a point.

TEAM NEWS

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta has several players unavailable for selection for Arsenal.

Bernd Leno, Calum Chambers, Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Marí are all out through injury. Mesut Özil faces a late fitness test on a back injury.

Edward Nketiah is suspended for the Liverpool game while Mattéo Guendouzi is listed as being unavailable due to an ‘Internal Disciplinary Matter’ following his on-field antics in the defeat at Brighton.

Arteta normally sets Arsenal up in a 3-4-3 formation which could mean a very, very open game is on the cards at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool Team News

Club captain Jordan Henderson and defender Joël Matip are out of Liverpool’s remaining games while James Milner is also a doubt. Milner is still suffering from the hamstring injury he suffered in the 0-0 draw at Everton in June.

The Reds don’t have any players suspended for this game.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keïta are likely to come back into the starting lineup at Arsenal.

Liverpool will probably go with a full-strength front trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané.

PREDICTED LINEUPS

Arsenal XI (3-4-3) – Martinez; Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac; Bellerín, Xhaka, Ceballos, Tierney; Saka, Lacazette, Aubameyang

Liverpool XI (4-3-3) – Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Van Dijk, Robertson; Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Keïta; Salah, Firmino, Mané

WHEN THEY LAST MET

Liverpool won 3-1 at Anfield when the teams met there in the league last August. Goals from Joël Matip and Mohamed Salah (x2) gave The Reds the victory that day. Lucas Torreira scored a late consolation goal for The Gunners.

The sides drew 5-5 at Anfield in a thrilling League Cup encounter with both sides giving some game-time to youngsters and fringe players on the night. Liverpool won 5-4 on penalties after the 5-5 draw.

PREDICTION

ARSENAL 2 – 3 LIVERPOOL

When getting to the end of a season, some games can take on a life of their own. I think Wednesday night’s fixture could be a fantastic game with both sides just going for the cut-throat approach. There should be goals and plenty of excitement and I think Liverpool will take all three points. Yes, I do realise I’ve probably pretty much guaranteed that it will be a dour 0-0 draw now…

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A culture of avoiding the blame with officials is leaving players in “limbo” after wrong decisions are made, says Liverpool defender Andy Robertson.

The left-back felt he should have had a clear penalty at the weekend, with a Burnley challenge on him at Anfield not given by the on-pitch referee and then also not overturned by the VAR.

It follows a similar pattern of abysmal decisions around the Premier League over the past week, with Spurs notably denied a penalty and Man United handed one which clearly shouldn’t have been, as the league acknowledged three calls in as many days were all incorrect.

Robbo has now voiced an opinion that many have felt for some time: the officials are passing on the responsibility to each other for the big calls—the refs don’t make the tough calls as they know VAR is there, but VAR doesn’t overturn them either out of respect for their colleagues or to avoid making the call themselves.

And, as a result, decisions are wrong, game after game.

“Over the last week, for me there has been four or five decisions that I think should have gone the other away, and I think many footballing people think they should have gone the other way too,” said Robbo, who scored the Reds’ goal in the 1-1 weekend draw.

“I believe that the referees are relying on VAR, but then VAR isn’t overturning any decisions, so we are stuck in limbo. I’d prefer not to have it and just let the referee call it. If the referee called it, you’d say ‘OK, he’s seen it differently’.

“But the fact we have about 40 cameras and 40 different angles, I believe the decisions should be right.”

The Scotland captain reveals the ref told him after the game why he hadn’t awarded the penalty initially, which the left-back appreciated, but there still remains the fact it should have been changed after, in Robbo’s mind.

“Fair play to him [explaining] but I still thought he was in the wrong and that it was a penalty.

“That’s what we believe VAR was brought in to do [to change the decision]. For me, how that’s not a penalty, I still scratch my head over it.”

The Reds will be frustrated at having lost their chance of a 100 per cent home record for the season with the draw, but in the wider matter of elite-level football, everyone is frustrated at the continuing poor decisions which the technology was supposed to eradicate.

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Klopp to Akinfenwa: "Even in these strange times I hope you celebrate, appropriately!"

Last Updated: 14/07/20 9:53am

1:35 After promotion to the Championship with Wycombe Wanderers, Adebayo Akinfenwa celebrated post-match with a message from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp! After promotion to the Championship with Wycombe Wanderers, Adebayo Akinfenwa celebrated post-match with a message from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp!

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp sent Adebayo Akinfenwa a congratulatory video message, after the forward helped Wycombe secure promotion to the Championship.

In 2016, Liverpool fan Akinfenwa asked managers to "hit me up on Whatsapp and get me a job" after helping AFC Wimbledon secure promotion to League One, having said he believed he was "technically unemployed".

But after Wycombe beat Oxford 2-1 at Wembley on Monday night, Akinfenwa said: "Let me tell you something, the only person who can hit me up on Whatsapp this time is Klopp, so we can celebrate together."

2:52 Highlights of the League One play-off final between Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers from Wembley Highlights of the League One play-off final between Oxford United and Wycombe Wanderers from Wembley

Fresh from leading Liverpool to their first Premier League title, Klopp duly messaged the Wycombe man, while Jordan Henderson and Virgil van Dijk were among the players to get in touch.

In his message, Klopp said; "Congratulations. I watched the game and I didn't see the post-match interviews but Hendo or my players told me that you want to get in contact with me on Whatsapp.

"Here we go, congratulations!

0:30 Wycombe Wanderers lifted the League One play-off final trophy after beating Oxford United 2-1 at Wembley Wycombe Wanderers lifted the League One play-off final trophy after beating Oxford United 2-1 at Wembley

"I'm pretty sure you were your whole life at least a Championship player, and now finally you are there, well done. Great, great victory.

2:15 Adebayo Akinfenwa couldn't hide his excitement after Wycombe won promotion to the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Oxford at Wembley Adebayo Akinfenwa couldn't hide his excitement after Wycombe won promotion to the Championship with a 2-1 victory over Oxford at Wembley

"Even in these strange times I hope you celebrate, appropriately!"

Akinfenwa shared a video of himself watching the message to his Twitter page, and afterwards said: "Klopp, you're a legend!"

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Do not miss your chance to land the £250,000 jackpot for a sixth time this season on Wednesday. Play for free, entries by 5pm.

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Take a behind-the-scenes look at Liverpool's penultimate home game of the Premier League season with the latest instalment of Inside Anfield.

The champions were held at their home ground for the first time in the league this term as Sean Dyche's Burnley left with a 1-1 draw. 

Take a unique look at the weekend's encounter in the video below...

[embedded content]

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Take a behind-the-scenes look at Liverpool's penultimate home game of the Premier League season with the latest instalment of Inside Anfield.

Liverpool FC is launching its recruitment drive for the 2020-21 season.

The club is actively looking to fill a wide range of roles across several different departments throughout the stadium – ranging from bar and waiting staff, retail catering staff, chefs of all levels, as well as hosts and stewards and back of house stores porters.

You will embrace LFC’s great service philosophy and create fantastic memories for our fans during the 2020-21 season.

The recruitment team are unfortunately unable to hold weekly drop-in sessions this year but if you wish to find out more about the roles on offer or require any additional support to complete an online application form, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

To view opportunities at Anfield for next season and to apply, please click here. For more information, please call 0151 264 2070.

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Liverpool FC is launching its recruitment drive for the 2020-21 season.

Liverpool want to produce a performance of Premier League champions against Arsenal tomorrow night, explained Andy Robertson.

The Reds journey to Emirates Stadium on the back of a 1-1 draw with Burnley – their first dropped points at Anfield in the top flight this term – last Saturday.

They are set to face a Gunners side who will be aiming to show their own response after suffering defeat in the north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur.

With the title already wrapped up for Jürgen Klopp’s team, a record Premier League points total is still within reach if they can win each of their three remaining fixtures.

For Robertson, those elements make the clash in the capital an occasion to relish; one in which Liverpool must exhibit their championship-winning qualities.

“Not getting a result in the derby is always tough, you always feel it a wee bit more and they will certainly feel that with Tottenham coming from behind and getting the win and taking over them in the table and stuff, so they will be looking to bounce back,” the left-back told Liverpoolfc.com.

“But obviously we’ll be looking to stamp our authority on the game. We want to go there and show why we are champions and put on a good performance and get the win that we want as well, and that we need.

“So, we are looking forward to a tough game. Obviously they are fighting for European football so they have a lot to play for, but the desire to win the game will be there for both teams and it’s about who comes out on top. Hopefully it will be us.

“Hopefully our quality shines through and we can get the three points that we want and we need, and then we move on to the Chelsea game.

“The last three games that we’ve got are really tough ones and we look forward to the challenge of all three of them and hopefully we can get maximum points.”

Robertson registered his second Premier League goal of the campaign at the weekend with an exquisite header to open the scoring against Burnley.

But the visitors claimed a point courtesy of a second-half equaliser, and the Liverpool No.26 explained why a quick return to winning ways has further importance.

He added: “It’s all about us trying to carry the momentum into next season now.

“I think everyone knows we don’t have a long break between the two seasons so it’s important to try to keep that winning mentality going and taking that into next season.”

After deputising for Robertson in the Reds XI at Brighton & Hove Albion, 19-year-old Neco Williams switched to the right-hand side of Klopp’s defence against Burnley.

It was a 10th first-team appearance of the season for Williams, who has broken into the senior squad thanks to his confident showings over the course of the campaign.

Those opportunities have been a deserved reward, according to Robertson, and the Scotland captain expects his younger teammate to make even more strides next term.

“I’ve spoken to Neco quite a lot,” said Robertson. “It’s great to see a young full-back coming through. It’s great to see him and that’s the last two games he’s started now, which will do his confidence and experience, everything, a world of good.

“I’ve spoken to him, I’ve given him small pointers but I’m not sure he needs them, because he’s got so much ability and so much energy, so much confidence in his own ability that he’ll have a fantastic career in the game.

“I hope he keeps on gaining that experience and keeps getting the game time because that’s so important for him. He’s been amazing in training all season so I’m glad he’s starting to get his reward with making his debut, getting his first start and then getting a couple of consecutive starts under his belt.

“So, he’s been great the games he’s played, it’s a great learning curve for him. He’s made mistakes and he’s done stuff really well but you can only learn when you are playing at the highest level and he is certainly doing that and every game he’s getting better and better.

“Long may that continue because it’s only good to have that competition for places. Obviously, being a right-back he’s facing probably one of the best there is in the world right now in Trent [Alexander-Arnold].

“But he’s got an abundance of ability and he can play both full-back positions pretty easily, so I’m sure he will push me and Trent all the way next season and that’s what we need to have – healthy competition in the squad.”

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Liverpool want to produce a performance of Premier League champions against Arsenal tomorrow night, explained Andy Robertson.

Watch Jürgen Klopp preview Liverpool’s upcoming trip to Arsenal in the Premier League live with us today.

Liverpool are preparing to visit Arsenal on Wednesday night, but are Gunners supporters confident of inflicting a rare defeat on the Reds?

It was a frustrating weekend for Jurgen Klopp‘s champions, with Burnley managing to battle their way to a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Liverpool’s hopes of winning every home Premier League game this season went up in smoke in the process and a response is needed in midweek.

Arsenal host the Reds looking to bounce back from Sunday’s north London derby loss to Tottenham, as Mikel Arteta continues to adjust to life as manager.

Ahead of the match, we spoke to Emirates regular Faisal Khan (@fkhanage) to get his opinion on both sides’ seasons and how Wednesday’s clash could unfold.

How would you assess Arsenal’s season overall?

Bearing in mind that I am writing this immediately after our defeat at Tottenham, my wounds are raw.

Our season overall? Abysmal. It’s our worst Premier League campaign in more than 20 years. It’s painful.

We will be lucky to finish in the top half of the league come the end of this season and it will be a campaign I will be glad to see the back of.

We do have Man City to look forward to at Wembley, though. Gulp.

Is Arteta the man to bring the good days back?

I think so and I hope so.

The biggest mistake the club made, over and above appointing Unai Emery, was not sacking him sooner. We waited until after the November international break and this has cost us dearly.

In Mikel Arteta, we have the model professional. He is intelligent, calm, charming and handsome. Being an ex-player gives him a lot of kudos and time from the Arsenal faithful.

Many have been critical of his lack of experience, but we are such a shambles at the moment we may as well see how this goes.

He needs time, money and loyal players. Our play has vastly improved, which fills me with great optimism for the future.

I completely trust the process.

Is a title push completely out of the question next year?

Arsenal? Title? As in a Premier League title? What are they smoking over there at Anfield?

No. We’re miles behind. We have so much deadwood to shift and we are in desperate need of four or five proven players.

Liverpool and Man City are on another planet. Chelsea will spend big and Man United are just simmering.

It’s a long road back.

Who have been Arsenal’s best and worst performers this season?

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, obviously. I dread to think where we would be without his goals.

Bernd Leno has been outstanding between the sticks, and whilst the injury at Brighton has been dreadful for him, Emiliano Martinez, our No. 2, has shown that he is a perfectly adequate replacement.

I absolutely love Kieran Tierney, though. What a lad. If he can demonstrate his fitness in the coming few months, he is surely a contender to be captain in the future.

It’s so tempting to just list out the names of our worst players—it’s hard to decide an order.

By position, Hector Bellerin has blown hot and cold, Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz and Sead Kolasinac are trash with such low concentration levels and general football ability.

Matteo Guendouzi, whilst talented, is a Big-time Charlie and I think Arsenal are looking to offload him this summer.

As for Mesut Ozil, has anyone seen him?

I was hoping for a bigger impact from Nicolas Pepe as a £72 million signing, but he has struggled at times.

Man, my wounds. Why did I volunteer for this?

Where does this Liverpool side rank among the best you’ve seen?

Liverpool have had an incredible 18 to 24 months. Phenomenal, really.

They are certainly up there as one of the greatest set of champions, but I’m not sure they pip Man United’s treble-winners or our Invincibles, though.

How sad that one of our highlights of the season was celebrating Watford’s win over you.

Looking ahead to Wednesday, who do you fear most for the Reds?

With a back three of Mustafi, Luiz and Kolasinac, I fear your front three.

I am desperately hoping that Jurgen Klopp feels sorry for us and rotates heavily, but I think he wants maximum points.

I would say your best player has been Fabinho. If you revisit my season prediction for you, I tipped him as the one who would be your main man this year. What a fabulous signing. I wish we had him.

And Jordan Henderson, what a lad. I never thought he had it in him. He is not the best footballer, but what a leader of men.

I’m even tempted to rank him as a better captain than Steven Gerrard.

Where do you see the key battles taking place?

Sadly, the only battles will be your forwards against Martinez. How long we can keep you out for will be telling. It could get nasty.

I would like to see how Trent Alexander-Arnold does against Tierney, but otherwise, slim pickings.

Finally, hit us with your prediction…

Yikes. My heart says win but that’s insane. I will say 2-2 at best, but my head says 3-1 to Liverpool.

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Robertson: "I believe that the referees are relying on VAR, but then VAR isn't overturning any decisions, so we are stuck in limbo." By Liam Grace

Last Updated: 13/07/20 7:14pm

1:22 Liverpool's Andy Robertson says VAR is failing to overturn referees' decisions Liverpool's Andy Robertson says VAR is failing to overturn referees' decisions

Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson has criticised recent VAR decisions in the Premier League and says it has put footballers in "limbo".

The 26-year-old Scotland international says he is still "scratching his head" that Liverpool were not awarded a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Burnley - after he went down inside the box under a challenge by Johann Berg Gudmundsson - and feels it is not the only call VAR has got wrong recently.

In our latest edition of Ref Watch, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher had several VAR incidents to assess from the last week, such as Tottenham being refused a first-half penalty against Bournemouth and Manchester United being awarded a contentious spot-kick at Aston Villa.

Arsenal vs Liverpool

July 15, 2020, 8:00pm

Live on

Robertson said: "Over the last week, for me there has been four or five decisions that I think should have gone the other away, and I think many footballing people think they should have gone the other way too.

"I believe that the referees are relying on VAR, but then VAR isn't overturning any decisions, so we are stuck in limbo. I'd prefer not to have it and just let the referee call it. If the referee called it, you'd say 'OK, he's seen it differently'.

"But the fact we have about 40 cameras and 40 different angles, I believe the decisions should be right."

2:59 FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley FREE TO WATCH: Highlights from the 1-1 draw between Liverpool and Burnley

Robertson, speaking specifically about VAR's call to not award Liverpool a penalty against Burnley at Anfield on Saturday, added: "I still believe the decision was wrong.

"Obviously I've seen the video circulate since, and I shouldn't have used the language that I did, but we were in a high-pressured game and emotions were on the line.

"I spoke to the referee and the officials in the tunnel after, and he explained what he thought he had seen - I respected that, not all referees do that - so fair play to him but I still thought he was in the wrong and that it was a penalty.

"That's what we believe VAR was brought in to do [to change the decision]. For me, how that's not a penalty, I still scratch my head over it."

Watch Arsenal vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 8pm on Wednesday, July 15 with kick-off at 8.15pm.

Another Five for City?

Do not miss your chance to land the £250,000 jackpot for a sixth time this season on Wednesday. Play for free, entries by 5pm.

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Take a look at Liverpool's preparations for the Premier League trip to Arsenal with our Inside Training footage from Melwood.

Adam Lewis has committed his future to Liverpool FC by signing a new long-term contract with the club.

As Liverpool prepare to go head-to-head with Arsenal on Wednesday evening, how well can you remember the Reds' previous trips to Emirates Stadium?

Liverpool's preparations for their trip to Arsenal continued on Monday - and our photographer was at Melwood to capture the champions' latest training session.

Bayern Munich have reportedly identified two potential replacements for Liverpool transfer target Thiago Alcantara.

The Reds are keen on signing Thiago this summer and the player has reportedly already agreed personal terms to link up with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Thiago was poised to sign a new contract with Bayern before deciding on a U-turn following interest from Premier League champions Liverpool.

Full story: Metro

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.

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Bayern Munich have reportedly identified two potential replacements for Liverpool transfer target Thiago Alcantara.