Two reasons why Arsenal can end Liverpool’s curse & maintain their PL title lead.

Arsenal travels to Anfield on Saturday to face Liverpool, with both teams hoping to secure first place in the Premier League over the holiday season.

Arsenal will go into their match against Liverpool at Anfield full of confidence, looking to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. The Gunners have arguably their best chance of beating the Reds at home in the last decade.

There are two major reasons for this. William Saliba and Declan Rice.

When the two sides meet on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal will be one point ahead of Jurgen Klopp’s side. The Gunners will be much fresher than the Reds after a full week of preparation.

Meanwhile, Liverpool will have had a short turnaround before kick-off at 5:30pm on Saturday, having secured their place in the Carabao Cup last-four with a 5-1 win over West Ham on Wednesday evening. Klopp is expected to be without Diogo Jota, a player who has haunted the Gunners in recent memory, as well as Alex Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch this weekend due to injuries and fatigue.

Liverpool remains a major threat, with players like Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz capable of causing problems for any defense. However, both Gary Neville and Jurgen Klopp have questioned the Anfield atmosphere in recent days, suggesting that Arsenal will face a hostile environment in which any team could crumble under pressure.

“I was not overly happy with the atmosphere behind me,” Klopp said after this week’s win over West Ham. “I was curious as to what they desired.

“We need Anfield to be on their toes on Saturday, without me getting into an argument with their coach or whatever.” Give your ticket to someone else if you’re not in good enough shape.”

Liverpool fans will hear Klopp’s comments, and Anfield will most likely respond. However, there is still a chance that Arsenal will cause an upset, which they have not done since 2012 against the Reds on Merseyside.

Last season, Arsenal drew 2-2 at Anfield due to the absence of William Saliba. Rob Holding filled in for the Frenchman, but the fact that Saliba is available for the match this season is a huge boost for Arteta’s side.

The 22-year-old has been compared to Virgil van Dijk as the best defender in the Premier League in recent months, and his impact in defense for Arsenal has been comparable to the Dutchman’s for Liverpool. Saliba will provide reassurance as well as speed and awareness to counter the threat posed by Salah and company.

Declan Rice, a £105 million signing, will line up in front of Saliba. Klopp’s team has been praised for their ability to transition from defense to attack, with a number of counter-attack goals this season.

The England international will be crucial in preventing the Reds’ counter-attack and exploiting Arsenal in transition. Saliba and Rice’s impact at Anfield could be enormous, significantly aiding Arsenal’s title charge by allowing them to extend their lead at the top of the table this weekend.