The second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final is here and Arsenal will host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. The heroics which the Gunners managed to pull off at Anfield still echo in the atmosphere. With the absence of Salah, Mane and Keita Arsenal has a chance to book their place in the final against Chelsea. This tie will be crucial for Arteta as he finally has a chance to lift the Carabao Cup and showcase the progress he has made with the squad this season.
Liverpool on the other hand is a different story. Controversy has always found its place when Liverpool is involved in competitions like FA Cup and Carabao Cup. Klopp is often accused of putting in a squad which often leaves room for doubt that he does not focus on such competitions. Liverpool for the past few years has been eliminated quite early in the competition. The tie should have been wrapped in the first leg with Arsenal down to 10 men for more than an hour. The ‘killer instinct’ a term that is often associated with the finishing quality of a team was certainly lacking in Liverpool forwards. A doorway has been left open by Liverpool which may come back to haunt them. Liverpool is still on the hunt for the elusive quadruple. But their slip up in the first leg may end their hopes by the end of the day.
LIV vs ARS Team News :
Arsenal has received a huge boost before the second leg. Odegaard, Tierney, Chambers, Saka and Gabriel are likely to be available for the clash. Aubameyang who is on his way to return from AFCON Championship and Xhaka who received a straight red card in the first leg will miss the second leg.
Harvey Elliot will miss the fixture due to his long term injury. Salah, Mane and Keita will miss the second leg due to their involvement in the AFCON Championship.
LIV vs ARS Match Prediction : Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
With the quality, rest and considering the return of first-team players Arsenal should prevail in the second leg. Liverpool managed to put on a high-quality display against Brentford however Klopp may be reluctant to put the majority of the first team players. The way Premier League is shaping up Klopp may preserve his players to keep them fresh for the Premier League encounter this weekend. Without Salah and Mane, Liverpool lacks the attacking sharpness which they usually do, both these players can create something out of nothing. That unpredictability is one of the reasons of the success which Liverpool has enjoyed in the past few seasons. The absence of this unpredictability can work out in favour of Arsenal.
LIV vs ARS Dream 11 Team Prediction :
