The Gunners failed their first tests of the season against Manchester City and Chelsea but a run of form that saw them win 11 of their next 12 games has seen talk of a title challenge re-emerge.
After failing to secure the points due to a late Crystal Palace penalty, ore progress could be undone if they fail to send a message against Liverpool on Saturday.
Liverpool fans will tell you they are not playing as well as last season, however, due to their stronger defensive performances, they are better off than at this point last season and there is no doubt that the Merseyside club are title contenders.
Team news – Arsenal
Hector Bellerin is Arsenal’s biggest injury concern ahead of Saturday. The Spaniard was forced off with a muscular problem against Crystal Palace on Sunday and was not risked in the midweek EFL Cup clash against Blackpool.
Speaking after the draw against Palace, Emery said he was unsure whether his right-back will recover in time for the visit of Liverpool.
Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are to be assessed later in the week after recent thigh problems while Laurent Koscielny is still working towards full match fitness having only returned to full training last week.
Team news – Liverpool
Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson both missed the weekend win over Cardiff with a decision over the two to be made later this week.
Keita has not featured for the Reds since sustaining a hamstring injury while representing Guinea during the last international break.
Henderson, meanwhile, was substituted at half-time during last weekend’s 1-0 win over Huddersfield Town after feeling tightness in the same muscle.
Head to head
Saturday will mark the 225th meeting between the two Premier League giants. Liverpool have won 86 of those meetings compared to Arsenal’s 78 victories, with 60 draws over the years.
Liverpool are undefeated in their last six matches against the Gunners, last losing back in April 2015 when Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Olivier Giroud got on the score sheet in a 4-1 thrashing.
Last season the fixtures were both high scoring with Liverpool smashing Arsenal 4-0 at home and at the Emirates it finished 3-3.
Prediction and betting tips
A tough one, my immediate thoughts go back to last season’s corresponding fixture and that brilliant 3-3. As much as I want another of those, with Liverpools recent defensive record, I don’t see that happening again.
Arsenal have scored more than one goal in 5 of their last 6, however they haven’t had a real test recently.
Liverpool are free scoring at home, less so away. (only 2 goals in 4) before thrashing Red Star and Cardiff at home.
I think it will be a tight game and I fancy a Novibet special market here in (Will any team win by a one-goal margin) that is 2.45.
Liverpool edged past Arsenals North London rivals Tottenham with a 2-1 away win earlier in the season – Liverpool to win by one goal is 4.00.
With Salah showing signs he’s back on form and Aubameyang looking like he’s settled at the Emirates – Salah and Aubameyang to score anytime is 4.33.
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