Arsenal’s full-back dilemma

Hector Bellerin was substituted at half-time with an injury against Crystal Palace last weekend, while Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac are injury doubts, meaning Stephan Lichtsteiner – who loves a tackle – and Granit Xhaka could start in the full-back positions of a 4-2-3-1.

But Matteo Guendouzi’s suspension means Xhaka will likely be needed in central midfield, so 34-year-old Lichtsteiner (right) could be required to fill the left-back role where he is far less comfortable.

That would mean having to mark Ballon d’or nominee Mohamed Salah, a player who can go inside or outside his man, or if he feels like it, through him. Good luck, Stephan. Liverpool’s full-backs will be told to get forward at every opportunity, especially after turnovers, so they can create the width needed to allow the narrow forward three to play through the middle while Arsenal are transitioning to their defensive shape.

Any indecision by non-natural left-back Lichtsteiner – where he should be positioned, which player should he get close to etc – is a vulnerability, and this is where Liverpool can have fun. Trent Alexander arnold will clearly have to be aware of the left-sided Arsenal forward, too, but if Liverpool are going to attempt to disrupt Arsenal with their gegenpress style, his attacking role on that right wing could be integral to causing the chaos Klopp loves.