A full slate of Premier League action brings Liverpool and Arsenal together in match of two teams trending in different directions. Arsenal currently sits on top of the Premier League table while Liverpool hovers at No.8. Jurgen Klopp admits Liverpool is simply watching Arsenal in awe at the moment as they prepare to clash with Arsene Wenger and the Gunners.
Wenger is celebrating his 20th anniversary with the club which marks him as English football's longest-serving manager. That consistency has kept the Gunners at the top of the leaderboard leaving Liverpool continually chasing the club. Klopp admitted his respect for the manager and admiration for all he has done for the sport as they go head-to-head once more.
"He had always my biggest respect but now it's a little bit bigger since I'm here. That's really a brilliant job he's done - 19-and-a-half years," Klopp said, via ESPNFC.com. "He's a high-quality manager, one of the best in the world for sure. This long period, it's really rare that you can do this but he did. He's a football maniac, in the best (sense of the word)."
Liverpool has gotten some big wins recently that have Klopp confident his squad can compete on Wednesday. They defeated Manchester City and Chelsea on the road which has given them confidence heading into the match against Arsenal and then Manchester United later in the week. Injuries will play a part in this match. Kolo Toure and Mamadou Sakho are both dealing with injuries that could cause depth issues. Jordan Henderson and Jordon Ibe are expected back on the pitch which will give the team attacking options.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have won seven of their last eight matches with the only loss coming to Southampton on Boxing Day. The team has bounced back well since that defeat as they maintain their lead in the standings. The roster is healthy heading into the game against Liverpool while Arsenal hopes to add someone by the end of the week. According to ESPNFC.com, a deal for Mohamed Elneny from Egypt is expected to be complete adding more depth to the midfield for the remainder of the season.
This match favors Arsenal not because the team is sitting at the top, but because Liverpool has injuries they might not be able to overcome. Arsenal is looking to get the three points at Anfield and move on.