Arsenal face a quick turnaround as they return to Premier League action this afternoon with a tough clash against newly-crowned champions Liverpool at Anfield.
Following their heartbreaking Champions League semi-final exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain just days ago, Mikel Arteta’s men will need to shift their focus and regain momentum in the domestic campaign.
The defeat to PSG was a heavy blow to Arsenal’s European ambitions, but they still have important business to handle in the Premier League.
With three games remaining, their recent dip in form has left their top-four finish not entirely secure.
The Gunners have only managed one win in their last five league matches, a poor run that has allowed Manchester City to gain ground and given hope to both Newcastle and Chelsea, who are currently just four points behind and face each other today.
Though a drop out of the Champions League places remains unlikely, Arteta will be eager to steady the ship and prevent any further slip-ups.
The manager is expected to make some changes to his starting lineup, particularly in attack.
Leandro Trossard and teenager Ethan Nwaneri are in contention to feature after underwhelming displays from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino in midweek.
Arteta may also opt to rest Myles Lewis-Skelly following a demanding spell for the youngster, with Riccardo Calafiori possibly taking his place after a late appearance in Paris.
In midfield, Jorginho could be in line for a return to the starting eleven after recovering from a recent lung injury.
He was back on the bench against PSG and could now be ready to contribute more significantly.
However, Arsenal’s injury problems persist, with several key players still unavailable.
Gabriel Magalhães, Kai Havertz, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus are all ruled out, limiting Arteta’s options as the season nears its conclusion.
On the other side, Liverpool will be playing their first game at Anfield since clinching the Premier League title.
Manager Arne Slot is expected to name a stronger lineup than the one he fielded in last week’s 3-1 defeat to Chelsea.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who missed that match entirely, is anticipated to return, while Conor Bradley is likely to start in defense.
The game could also mark a farewell appearance at Anfield for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who may be rested. Joe Gomez remains sidelined with a hamstring issue.
The predicted starting lineups see Liverpool fielding Alisson, Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Salah, Diaz, and Gakpo. Arsenal’s expected XI includes Raya, White, Saliba, Kiwior, Calafiori, Partey, Odegaard, Rice, Saka, Trossard, and Martinelli.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4:30 PM on Sunday, May 11.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with online streaming available through Sky Go and NowTV.
This high-stakes fixture could prove decisive for Arsenal as they fight to secure a strong finish to their league campaign.
