Tomorrow, Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in one of the most awaited clashes of the season. Arne Slot’s men have been in peak form since the start of the season. Whereas Mikel Arteta and Co. have had a few jinxes in the middle.
The Reds have a strong team but The Gunners are also worthy title contenders in peak form. Clearly, Arteta will be hoping to find the best of his team at the Emirates this Sunday. With three key players injured, Liverpool will be a tough task for The Gunners.
Liverpool will be the favourites to win but former Arsenal defender Bacary Sagna has made a few shocking selections for his XI ahead of the clash.
Bacray Sagna picks his XI ahead of Arsenal vs Liverpool
Bacary Sagna made 284 appearances for Arsenal (Credits: Imago Images)
In talks with The Mirror, Sagna made some shocking choices leading up to the clash. Most of the Premier League will agree with Liverpool’s dominance over English football. However, Bacray has taken a different approach to his selection.
“I will go for Ben White at right back because he’s better defensively and you need to defend first as a defender. That has to be your main quality. Trent is a threat going forward and one of the best in the world but because he’s attacking so much, defensively, the team gets exposed a bit more.”
“That’s his game though and he’s not as bad as everyone says, but in such an important game, you need to be a bit more focused defensively. So, I’ll go for Ben White.”
His first unconventional choice was Ben White over Trent Alexander-Arnold. Sagna described the latter as among the best in the world for attack but preferred a more traditional approach on the defensive wings.
“I will go for David Raya. I think he has the advantage of playing out with his feet and I think if you look at both styles, it’s an advantage for Arsenal to have someone who’s really comfortable with his feet. Allison is good but Raya is better with his feet.”
Then the 41-year-old went with David Raya over seasonal veteran Alisson Becker. Despite the latter’s all-roundedness, Bacray preferred a more offensive approach for his goalkeeper.
“I was surprised to see him play number nine but he has responded perfectly. He’s been important to the team. I was also not sure about him playing as a centre forward but he’s so clinical and that’s what is required so I’ll go for him.”
Next Sagna picked Kai Havertz over the more threatening Diogo Jota. He termed the German “clinical” player to justify his choice.
