Mikel Arteta has never won at Anfield with Arsenal as a manager, but he expects to leave Merseyside with the points this weekend when the pair meet in the Premier League
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he is "fully convinced" that the Gunners will win at Anfield this weekend, with Liverpool hosting the champions in hopes of extending a five-game winning streak.
A few days ago, the Reds knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on penalties. Under Andoni Iraola, they have been finding some form and face Arsenal, Fenerbahce and Crystal Palace before the November international break.
Meanwhile, having lost on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town midweek, Arsenal is looking to bounce back and prove that was only a minor wobble. It is currently six points ahead of Liverpool in the Premier League standings.
"I'm fully convinced that we are going to go there on Sunday and win the game," Arteta told Sky Sports.
"I think it’s so clear what we have to do. I think we are very convinced with what has to be achieved in that game to give us the chance to win it."
Arsenal lost at Anfield last season with Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a late winner. It hasn't won away at Liverpool since September 2012 when Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla netted in a 2-0 victory.
“Now’s the opportunity to change it," Arteta added. "We’ve done it in many, many stadiums since I’ve been here that for many, many years we didn’t have any results and we have won many times. And the next one is Anfield."
While Arteta has been confident about beating Liverpool, he was also full of praise for his childhood friend, Iraola, who he played with in Spain.
"I think (Liverpool) have every ingredient to be up there, challenging for any trophy that they participate [in]," Arteta said.
"Look at the quality of the squad, the manager, the history that they have. So there is no question for me about that."
Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis are likely to return to the Arsenal team after sitting out the Fleetwood game, but Noni Madueke has joined Bukayo Saka on the treatment table. Max Dowman is suspended.
Liverpool.com says: The Reds should pin Arteta's comments up on the locker room wall. A win would put them in the title conversation, especially with Manchester City looking inconsistent and with potential sanctions to come.
Missing some key men, Arteta will want his players to be even more dogged than usual. Liverpool, though, has the chance to send a statement.
