The Premier League’s opening weekend is arguably saving the best fixture for last, with Arsenal welcoming Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium in Sunday’s late kickoff. The hosts have had an impressive pre-season, and pulled off a win over Manchester City last time out, though their relative inactivity in the transfer market may well be causing consternation for supporters. Manager Arsène Wenger will be hoping he can allay the fears here.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool 2016 live stream: Start time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Arsenal start the season with a tough match at home to Liverpool on Sunday.
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However, that certainly won’t be an easy task against Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool. They’ve splashed the cash pretty freely so far this summer, and dropped big money on attackers Sadio Mané and Georginio Wijnaldum from Southampton and Newcastle respectively. There is the feeling that Klopp is really making this team his own, and they head into the season looking to improve on last season’s underwhelming eighth place.
Key player: Granit Xhaka (Arsenal)
Arsenal's one big-money signing so far this summer has been Swiss defensive midfielder Granit Xhaka, acquired from Borussia Mönchengladbach for a hefty fee thought to be in the region of £30 million. Though that's a very pricey signing, there's no doubt that Arsenal have long needed a tough tackler in the centre of midfield, with questions still being asked of youngster Francis Coquelin. In the long term, Xhaka may well prove to be a very shrewd investment.
Recent history
Three of the last four meetings between these sides have ended in draws, with the last being a rather spectacular 3-3 at Anfield in January. Arsenal won 4-1 when they met at the Emirates back in April 2015, with Liverpool having not won away at the Gunners since August 2011. The history books certainly give Arsenal reason to be cautiously optimistic heading into this one.
Arsenal injuries and suspensions
Out: Danny Welbeck, Per Mertesacker (knee). In doubt: Gabriel (ankle); Jack Wilshere (knee); Laurent Koscielny (fitness).
Liverpool injuries and suspensions
Out: Loris Karius (broken hand); Lucas Leiva (hamstring). In doubt: Marko Grujić (ankle); James Milner (foot); Dejan Lovren (knock); Daniel Sturridge (hip); Mamadou Sakho (Achilles); Joe Gomez (knee).
Arsenal start the season without Welbeck and Mertesacker, though Gabriel and Wilshere could shake off problems in time to play. Koscielny could also be rushed back from his extended summer break to fill a hole in the centre of defence. Liverpool's injury list is even longer, though their only certain absentees at this stage are Lucas and summer signing Karius.
Match date/time: Sunday, 11 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London, England
TV: NBCSN (US - English); Sportsnet World (Canada); Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US); Sportsnet World Now (Canada); Sky Go (UK)
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