Blog: Why Reds could be facing Arsenal at the right time
Liverpool supporter Cormac O'Shea believes the Reds' season-opening clash with Arsenal could not have come at a better time - read our latest fan blog to find out why.
The new season is here. And with it come the high expectations that always build up around Liverpool during the summer months.
First up is a trip to Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal, and a chance to see how we size up against last year's second-placed team, opponents who will hold similar ambitions this time around.
For the Reds, this could be the best time possible to face Arsenal. Arsene Wenger's side have lost two of the last three Premier League openers at home.
By contrast, Liverpool have won their opening game for the last three years, so we can hope that the positive run continues this Sunday. To boot, Arsenal are facing something of a defensive crisis at the moment due to a number of injuries to key players at the back.
Gabriel Paulista was stretchered off during a friendly meeting with Manchester City last week and, in the absence of Laurent Koscielny, Wenger has just two natural centre-backs. The first is Calum Chambers, who is more used to operating at right-back, the other is Rob Holding, the inexperienced 20-year-old summer signing from Bolton Wanderers.
Arsene Wenger has defensive injuries to contend with ahead of the Reds' visit
This can only bode well for a Liverpool side brimming with attacking talent. The likes of Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum could have a huge impact this season and will both be hoping to prove as much on Sunday.
Mane managed 11 goals and six assists in the league last season for Southampton, and his pace will be a huge problem for opposition defences. Wijnaldum boasted similar stats - 11 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League - including a very well-taken goal against the Reds at St. James' Park.
Of course, not all of the Reds' numerous talented attackers can start the game, but that is what has Kopites so excited this season. There are so many options.
Last season, the two games between the sides ended 0-0 and 3-3 - the former coming in north London. But a goalless draw this time seems unlikely.
Liverpool's own back four should have plenty to deal with themselves, too.
Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil may be missing, but the Gunners still pose a threat with the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla in their ranks.
Watch highlights of last season's 3-3 draw with Arsenal
Midfield newcomer Granit Xhaka will also look to dominate proceedings and so the likes of Emre Can and Jordan Henderson could have a busy afternoon.
A 4-0 win over Barcelona last weekend may have been dampened by defeat at the hands of Mainz, but Klopp's team look in good nick to get this season off to a flier.
Last year it took a Coutinho wonder-goal to beat Stoke City, and something similar would be a welcome start to what could be a huge season for the Reds.
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