The DJ and producer was responsible for the longest consecutive number one in the UK music charts of 2020 with his smash-hit Head & Heart, featuring MNEK, with the tune spending six weeks at the summit.
Joel's latest single – BED – has guest spots from RAYE and David Guetta and can be heard on Liverpool FC's official Spotify playlist now.
Read on for his thoughts on Liverpool's capital clash with his beloved Arsenal...
So, why Arsenal for you?
I have supported Arsenal since I can remember, to be honest. I am a north Londoner, so it was either Arsenal or Tottenham, and there was no way I was going to support Spurs! [Laughs] Growing up as a Gooner during the Invincibles era was incredible and full of great memories.
What are your early Gunners memories, then?
As a young boy and football fanatic I loved going to Highbury with my dad. I actually always ran down to the pitch at half-time to give Gunnersaurus a high five! Watching Tony Adams score that fourth goal against Everton in 1998 when we won the double was a big moment. I also remember bumping into Arsene Wenger in Waitrose with my nan and being completely starstruck!
What are some of your first memories of Liverpool v Arsenal matches?
I remember Michael Owen scoring a late winner for Liverpool in the 2001 FA Cup final. It was such an intense game; we had been in front for most of the match but Liverpool turned it around. For the winning goal, Patrik Berger played a long ball over the top and Owen took it in his stride and put it away. It was devastating as an Arsenal fan, but it was a classic cup final.
Who is your all-time Arsenal idol?
Ian Wright! The first football shirt I owned had his name on the back and No.8 has been my lucky number ever since. I love watching Wrighty as a pundit on TV now, too.
What's your assessment of Arsenal this season?
After winning the FA Cup last year I thought we had a chance this season of getting back in the mix for the top four. There have been flashes of hope during the season, but overall our inconsistency has been our downfall. There is so much work to be done, but I do believe Arteta is the man for the job and has a vision for the club. Fingers crossed we can push forward next season.
Who has been your standout player so far?
Kieran Tierney has been excellent for us this season. He is showing the hunger, desire and consistency we need from the rest of the squad. Also, the arrival of Martin Odegaard has injected some much-needed flair into the team. He has adapted quickly to the English game and I'm excited to see him smash the rest of the season.
Which Liverpool player would you take for Arsenal's squad?
I am a huge Mo Salah fan. He is one of the world-class players in the Premier League. Whenever he gets on the ball you always feel something special is about to happen. Trent Alexander-Arnold is also top of my list; he is the best right-back in the league and he would be very welcomed at Arsenal!
How do you expect Arsenal to line up on Saturday night?
I think we will sit deep and Liverpool will have most of the ball. We will aim to hit Liverpool on the counter-attack. Liverpool are weaker at the back this season and I think we will have chances to score, but we need to be clinical when we get them. The first goal in the game is going to be vital.
Where will the game be won and lost for the Gunners?
We have to avoid conceding early. If we can keep the door shut for the first 30 minutes of the match, then we will grow into the game and our confidence will increase. And as I said, we need to take our chances when they come. I think our subs will be important later in the game to hopefully come on and help snatch us the win.
What's the target for Arsenal for the remainder of the season?
Our target this season now is to win the Europa League. If we can do that, then we are back in Europe next season. All the other competitions are wrapped up for us, so our full focus has to be Europe now. There are some dangerous sides still in the draw, but I believe we have a good chance of lifting the trophy in May.
Away from football for a moment, talk us through your last 12 months. It's been quite a journey…
Yes… the last 12 months have been a rollercoaster! This time last year the first lockdown had kicked in and all my DJ bookings were cancelled. It was a weird and uncertain time. I stayed positive, though, and spent more time working in the studio. My single Head & Heart with MNEK was a number one hit last summer, which was a total dream come true for me. I am happy that people are connecting with my music and hopefully it brings them some positive vibes. I can't wait to get back to celebrating all together again soon.
What have you got coming up next?
I am so excited to get back on tour this summer. Taking a whole year out of DJing due to the pandemic has been really tough. Performing in front of a crowd is my favourite thing to do in life. It has been great to spend more time in the studio. My current single BED with RAYE and David Guetta is out now, and I have more bangers on the way. I am feeling positive that 2021 is still going to be an awesome year!
Finally, what's your prediction for this game?
I am going for a 2-1 win for the Arsenal… come on you Gunners!
Check out BED by Joel Corry, featuring RAYE and David Guetta, on the official Liverpool FC Spotify.