Klopp insists ‘I’m no clown’ as he gets down to business

Liverpool remain in fifth place, but defeat by Arsenal would likely see them overtaken by an in-form Manchester United. We may turn up against the big boys but we don’t always walk away with three points – very often, we’ll share the spoils with our rivals.

If ever there was a good day to bury bad news, Liverpool timed it to perfection on Monday, when a terrible 3-1 defeat by Leicester City became a mere sideshow in the post-Claudio Ranieri circus. The Gunners have had a hard time away from home of late with the 4-0 win against Swansea their only win in the last five on the road.

Sunderland have lost each of their last five Premier League games against Manchester City – so I fancy the Citizens to win here – especially as they have won six of their last seven games in all competitions.

This Monday night, it’s a short trip to the London Stadium to take on mid-table West Ham. “Only (runaway league leaders) Chelsea have that feeling still, all the rest have had better or worse moments in the season”. Each team Liverpool has lost to has undergone new management in weeks, sometimes days before the match. Palace are only in the bottom three on goal difference heading into the weekend and must try and avoid defeat here. The teams have little chance of catching Chelsea and winning the Premier League title but both are firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish and a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Prediction: Both sides boast a powerful attack but lament their questionable defense.

Liverpool has a fine record against the Premier League’s leading sides this season, which is just about the only solace for Jurgen Klopp as he prepares for Saturday’s crucial clash with Arsenal.

After another promising start to the campaign, it looks as if the Gunners are now relying on an FA Cup win to salvage their season. Southampton have won just two of their last eight games but a good run of form from now on could see them challenge for a top half position.

No wonder Wenger said of his team ahead of Saturday’s match at Anfield: “They owe themselves a performance”.

As reported in The Sun, Adam Lallana has called on his team to end the rot and build on their last performance at Anfield where they blew away a promising Tottenham side.

Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil is expected to miss the game because he’s suffering from the flu.

One thing Arsenal will obviously try to do is get in players, who can strengthen their back four, and Bellerin will be an ideal player for Barcelona with age on his side as well.