'Dominant Sakho vital for Gunners trip'
Phil Babb has backed Mamadou Sakho to be an influential figure in the absence of Martin Skrtel as the Reds come up against Arsenal's array of attacking options this afternoon.
As the Slovakian prepares to start a three-game suspension, Brendan Rodgers will be forced into changing his backline at the Emirates.
The Reds will be aiming to get back on track in the race for a top-four finish in the Barclays Premier League after the Anfield defeat by Manchester United prior to the international break.
Former Republic of Ireland international Babb insists Sakho can lead by example and stop the threat posed by the likes of Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, he explained: "It's a big game, clearly it's very tight there and clearly after the defeat to United, it's important to keep touch with the teams above you.
"The defence has been under criticism throughout the season but it's been holding firm. I think the three at the back has been performing well.
"I don't think they will approach the game too defensively. The players that he's [Rodgers] got at his disposal you've got to go out and win games, rather than try not to lose them.
"Sakho is aggressive enough. He's done a good enough job this year. He would have to be the dominant force in that back three."
Despite the magnitude of the game and the absence of Skrtel, Babb doesn't think that there will be any change to Liverpool's system of three at the back and Rodgers' attacking philosophy.
Dejan Lovren could come into the manager's thoughts for the clash, and Babb believes that the Croatian has the potential to come good at Anfield.
He added: "There's no reason to change the formation, you'd look at Lovren coming straight in as a like-for-like.
"I can't see any reason why the system should change at all, I think the wing-backs have been doing a good job whoever has gone in there.
"For Dejan it's about dealing with the pressure that his transfer came with. He's a good enough player. Once he's settled down he'll be a good asset to the club."
Liverpool's likely new backline will certainly face a daunting task at the Emirates, a ground at which they have only won once in the Premier League.
Babb added: "It's difficult because [Olivier] Giroud's on fire at the moment, [Santi] Cazorla's playing very very well, and [Alexis] Sanchez has been one of the sensations of the season.
"I think it's down to who's going to sit in front of the back three and if it's Jordan Henderson then you've got a man that's fit enough to do the leg work and stop Arsenal penetrating."