Saka and Timber start, Merino decision made and new White role – Dream Arsenal XI vs Liverpool

Arsenal take on Liverpool in a massive clash in the Premier League this weekend with the hope of regaining control of their title fortunes. However, a defeat would see Arne Slot's side open a seven-point gap to their rivals.

The pressure is certainly on for Arsenal with a depleted side as Mikel Arteta contends with several question marks in his squad. Martin Odegaard remains a long-term absentee and even in an ideal scenario, the likelihood is that the Norwegian will not make it back in time.

With that in mind, football.london round-up what a dream XI might look like, with some players who are indeed somewhat of a question mark hopefully fully recovering in time for the game. Something Arteta would certainly wish for.

David Raya continues in goal and, despite a rough game at Bournemouth, made some very good stops in midweek against Shakhtar Donetsk. The Spaniard will, however, have a changed back four to contend with.

William Saliba's suspension has created a problem while Riccardo Calafiori suffering a knee issue on Tuesday only worsened the situation, with the full-back reportedly set to miss a few weeks of action. The return of Jurrien Timber would definitely ease this problem, but the question then becomes where in the back four he plays.

I've gone with left-back and then Thomas Partey taking up the right-hand side. Ben White moves into the middle of the defence in place of the Frenchman to partner Gabriel Magalhaes.

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With Partey in the defence, this means that Mikel Merino will get his first chance to start a game in his usual box-to-box position, rather than the attacking midfield role that he occupied against Bournemouth. Declan Rice will be the sitting player and then Leandro Trossard continues in attacking midfield. While I'd love to have given Ethan Nwaneri a chance, Liverpool seems an unwise challenge to throw him into for a first Premier League start.

Bukayo Saka returning to the XI would come as a huge boost to Arteta and the team, while equally worrying the opposition. Gabriel Martinelli does look an improved player which is also well-timed as Kai Havertz looks to restart another Emirates Stadium goalscoring run.

Dream Arsenal XI vs Liverpool: Raya; Partey, White, Gabriel, Timber; Partey, Rice, Merino, Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.