Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Raheem Sterling leads Liverpool’s attack against Arsenal at the end of a week that saw the midfielder admit he was "flattered" by being linked with the north London club.
Daniel Sturridge is only fit enough for a place on the bench, so Sterling leads a line-up that shows three changes from the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United. With Martin Skrtel beginning his three match ban for stamping on goalkeeper David De Gea, Kolo Toure comes into the defence, with the Ivorian preferred to £20m signing Dejan Lovren who can only make the bench.
With Sturridge out, Sterling shifts forward with Lazar Markovic coming into the side, and Adam Lallana has not recovered from the groin injury he picked up a fortnight ago so Lucas starts in midfield.
Arsenal’s starting XI also shows three changes, with two of those coming in defence. Hector Bellerin returns to the right-back role with Calum Chambers missing out on the matchday squad, and skipper Per Mertesacker returns to partner Laurent Koscielny at centre-back with Gabriel Paulista dropping to the bench.
Arsenal's best XI of the season so far
Show all 11
In attack, Mesut Özil returns from illness in place of Danny Welbeck, as the England striker had been suffering from a knee injury picked up in the recent 4-0 win over Lithuania. The 23-year-old does make the bench though.
Mario Balotelli is a notable absentee from the Liverpool bench, while Wojciech Szczesny misses out with a rib injury.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies