Mikel Arteta has named his Arsenal team to face Liverpool in the Premier League this afternoon.
Arsenal welcome Liverpool to North London in a huge clash between the potential title challengers. The Gunners are aiming to bounce back from last weekend’s first loss of the season at Bournemouth, though will have to do so without William Saliba after his red card last week.
Bukayo Saka has passed a fitness test to feature, however, and captains Arsenal at the Emirates. Jurrien Timber has also beaten his battle to make this weekend’s game and will start at left-back. Ben White partners Gabriel in the absence of Saliba, with Thomas Partey in at right-back.
Mikel Merino is in midfield alongside Declan Rice, with Saka, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in support of Kai Havertz.
Ex-Liverpool winger Raheem Sterling is on the bench for Arsenal, who can move within three points of leaders Manchester City with a win. Liverpool will reclaim top spot with a win in North London.
Arsenal name starting XI to face Liverpool
Arsenal team to face Liverpool: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Merino, Trossard, Saka, Martinelli; Havertz.
Substitutes: Neto, Zinchenko, Kiwior, Nichols, Myles-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Sterling, Jesus.
