THE BIG ISSUES

ODEGAARD OFFERS NEW DIMENSION

On a night when Arsenal need to win, it is perhaps fitting that they can call upon Martin Odegaard once again. The Norwegian has recovered from Covid and is set to start tonight. He has established himself as Arsenal’s chief playmaker and was missed at Anfield. In his absence, Alexandre Lacazette was forced to play the No10 role and the team was not as fluid as it has been recently. The return of Odegaard will boost Arsenal’s creativity and also allow Lacazette to play higher up the pitch.

VISITORS MUST REKINDLE JOTA SPARK

Without Mo Salah and Sadio Mane flanking him, Diogo Jota looked a different player at Anfield last week. The Portugal international, who has been impressive this season, cut an isolated figure and did not have a shot on target. Liverpool must find a way to get him more involved for this leg or else risk crashing out. The return of Curtis Jones could help, with the youngster offering a threat from midfield and the legs to get forward to link up with Jota.

WHITE NEEDS TO BE A LEADER AGAIN

When he was bullied at Brentford on the opening day of the season, some questioned whether Ben White could hack the rough and tumble of being a centre-back. He has always been lauded for his ability on the ball, but it was queried what he was like without it. White dispelled those myths at Anfield last week with arguably his best performance in an Arsenal shirt. He was everywhere, winning headers, diving into tackles and being a rock at the back. If Arsenal are to keep Liverpool out, they will need White to deliver a similar performance.