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Liverpool vs Arsenal: Unai Emery decision shows he has ONE big concern - Martin Keown
ARSENAL boss Unai Emery does not want to play with three at the back - but he is concerned over the quality of his team defensively.
That is the view of Arsenal legend and BT Sport pundit Martin Keown.
Emery has regularly chosen to play with three central defenders in recent weeks.
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Injury and suspension has led to the likes of right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Granit Xhaka deputising at the back.
Shkodran Mustafi returned from his hamstring injury for the visit to Liverpool on Saturday evening.
He’s put that three in to give him that little bit of extra security
However, Keown believed Emery was still going to persist with three at the back at Anfield, with Mustafi alongside Lichtsteiner and Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Keown does not think it is the formation Emery wants to play but does not think he has much choice.
But he was still predicting a difficult match at Anfield against the unbeaten league leaders.
“I don’t believe that’s the way he wants to play,” Keown said.
“But I think he’s concerned about the team defensively in general.
“He’s put that three in to give him that little bit of extra security.
“But I think whoever’s going to be playing against Liverpool today, you’re going to be in trouble.
“Particularly the front three, so much pace, so much energy.
“And they play with an expression of freedom and it’s going to be difficult for Arsenal today.”
Alex Iwobi, Aaron Ramsey and Ainsley Maitland-Niles also came into the Gunners team that drew 1-1 with Brighton.
Ramsey captained the side at Anfield despite looking set to leave the club at the end of his contract.