Ahead of their Premier League clash, Arsenal and Liverpool UAE-based fans give their verdict on the game.
To gain an insight into the mindset of the fans we asked UAE fans to share with us their predictions, likely line-ups and players to watch.
Do you agree or have they missed the mark? Use #360Fans to share with us your thoughts.
Richard D’Cruze, ARSENAL UAE
There’s no better way to start the season than a classic battle between two of England’s elite clubs, managed by two of Europe’s best managers. Arsenal vs Liverpool matches are always entertaining regardless of who wins – especially when it comes to the electricity produced by both sets of supporters in the stadium.
I’m a huge admirer of Jurgen Klopp. If there was one manager who I’d love to see take over the Arsenal hotseat once Wenger leaves, it would be him. He worked wonders with Borussia Dortmund, taking them from mediocrity to Bundesliga champions and Champions League finalists.
The Gunners go into this match missing a number of key players. Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud and Mesut Ozil are on extended break after Euro 2016, while newly-appointed club captain Per Mertesacker sits on the sidelines with Gabriel Paulista, Danny Welbeck, Carl Jenkinson and Jack Wilshere (he’s spent more time in the treatment room in the past few seasons than on the pitch!).
But, we welcome Santi Cazorla back into the starting line-up to lead the team out. I’m really looking forward to seeing him link-up in midfield with new boy Granit Xhaka, as well as Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, the latter of whom should he be fit to play after his extended break.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
LIKELY ARSENAL XI: Cech, Monreal, Chambers, Holding, Bellerin, Coquelin, Elneny, Cazorla, Sanchez, Campbell, Walcott
ARSENAL PLAYER TO WATCH: Granit Xhaka – The Switzerland international had an excellent European Championship and featured in Arsenal’s last few pre-season matches; he’s done nothing but impress.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO FEAR: Robert Firmino – He was one of the Kop’s driving forces in the second half of last season, along with Philippe Coutinho. I expect him to carry his goalscoring form into the match, and the rest of the season.
WHERE TO WATCH: Arsenal UAE’s Dubai branch gathers at Velocity Bar in the JW Marriot Marquis hotel in Business Bay. The match will be shown at the downstairs bar and entry is for members only. For Gooners in the capital, the Arsenal UAE Abu Dhabi chapter gather at Harvester’s in Holiday Inn Downtown.
For more information on how to become an Arsenal UAE member contact [email protected] or www.facebook.com/ArsenalUAE.
Atul Nara, DUBAI REDS
Opening-day fixtures against big clubs are never ones managers look forward to as players are usually not sharp enough and new signings need time to settle. Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool will be hoping these issues don’t rear their ugly head at Emirates Stadium on Sunday.
Liverpool vs. Arsenal is a fixture that has certainly not failed to deliver excitement over the last few years – 4-4 and 3-3 draws spring to mind – but Liverpool have won just once away to the Gunners in the past 15 years. The Reds have, however, won their past three opening-day matches while Arsenal have lost two of their last three.
Arsenal are under strength at the moment with several injuries to key men at the back, while Klopp has now put more of his own stamp on this Liverpool team – the arrivals of Sadio Mane and George Winjaldum should provide us with a big boost.
As always, hopes are high at the start of the season and with no European football, Liverpool have no distractions. I’m hopeful we can at least finish in the top four again.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool
LIKELY LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno, Wijnaldum, Lallana, Henderson, Mane, Coutinho, Firmino
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO WATCH: Sadio Mane – The Reds’ £30 million-man can add speed to our attack and hopefully goals too. Thierry Henry and Jamie Carragher are among those to have talked up his abilities and if the pre-season game against Barcelona is a reflection of his skills, the Gunners defence should be on red alert!
ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: Alexis Sanchez – The Chilean dynamo is a world-class player capable of destroying any team on his day. He will carry the Gunners’ attacking hopes on his shoulders with Mesut Ozil not ready to play yet after the Euros.
WHERE TO WATCH: Liverpool fans should join the Dubai Reds in the Goodfellas Bar at the Ramee Rose Hotel, Tecom. We are re-expecting a full house so get down early to soak up the atmosphere. All Dortmund fans based in Dubai are more than welcome to join us for the game too!
TWITTER: @DubaiReds
FACEBOOK: Dubai Reds
