There probably can’t be a bigger game to end the year with as Liverpool host Arsenal on Saturday night.
Liverpool spent Christmas at the top of the Premier League table and are now six points clear of second placed Tottenham. In Arsenal, they will be facing their first big test while at the top of the table.
The Gunners will be looking to put the hiccup against Brighton behind them and upset the league leaders.
We take a look at some of the key battles ahead of the big tie
Pierre Emerick Aubameyang vs Virgil van Dijk
Key man: Virgil van Dijk.
This is probably the best case of an unstoppable force going up against an immovable object. Aubameyang has arguably been the best striker in the league this season and on his day, van Dijk can make a case for one of the best defenders in Europe.
The Gabon international has scored 13 goals this season and provided three assists. Three of those 13 strikes came in Arsenal’s last two games and it’s safe to say the forward is in a strong run of form.
Arguably the best signing of the year for any Premier League club, van Dijk has been rock solid at the back for the Reds. His consistency and knack of shutting down the best of attackers could prove to be the gamechanger on Saturday.
Regardless of who comes on top, this battle promises to be one the neutrals will surely relish.
Mohamed Salah vs Sead Kolasinac
Mohamed Salah
After a dull start to the season, Salah is now back among the goals. The Egyptian returned to form with a hat-trick against Bournemouth, putting an end to premature accusations of him being a one-season wonder.
The forward has not looked back ever since and now has 12 goals and six assists to his name this campaign.
Kolasinac has not had the best of starts to his career at Arsenal and has displayed carelessness in defence at times. Capable of functioning as a left-back and a left wing-back, the Bosnian provides ammunition to Arsenal’s attack and has been crucial to Unai Emery’s system.
The 31-year-old might have to compensate on his attacking duties as a tough task of defending against one of the best players in the league awaits him. It will be interesting to watch how Kolasinac finds the balance and executes both roles as per requirements.
Jordan Henderson vs Lucas Torreira
Lucas Torreira
The less-heralded protagonist at Liverpool will be up against the new cult hero at Arsenal in our crucial midfield battle.
The Englishman will be looking to dictate play from advanced position as he feeds the most dangerous frontline in the league. The Nexus of Liverpool’s midfield, Henderson’s role of switching play, holding the ball and pouncing at the right time will be key to Liverpool’s chances.
Torreira has proved to be Arsenal’s best transfer after a busy summer window. The Uruguayan wasted no time in winning the fans over, scoring a goal in his first North London Derby and capping it off with an iconic celebration.
One of the best ball-snatchers in the league, Torreira can prove to be a real nuisance for the Liverpool midfield and Henderson in particular. The youngster’s ability to break down attacks will be pivotal if the Gunners are to break the supply to Liverpool’s dangerous front-line.
