Sunday 14 August 2016 17:10, UK
Aaron Ramsey and Sadio Mane will be the pivotal players in Arsenal versus Liverpool at the Emirates on Super Sunday, according to Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson.
The two clubs clash at 4pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, with key players missing from both sides as Arsenal face a defensive injury crisis with Gabriel and Per Mertesacker injured while Laurent Koscielny is not match-fit following his exertions for France at Euro 2016.
Thommo believes Liverpool's £36m summer signing, Mane, will be key to exploiting the Gunners' vulnerability in the absence of Daniel Sturridge, backing the 24-year-old's pace to trouble the Gunners' defence.
"Jurgen Klopp could go with Mane as the main striker," Thompson told Sky Sports. "Jamie Vardy caused massive problems for Arsenal before and I think Jurgen will be looking at that.
"Mane is like Vardy, he's not just quick, he's electric. That's something you don't want to come up against as a defender, especially if you're not experienced in dealing with it."
Meanwhile, Nicholas admits Liverpool will be a dangerous threat on the counter and would like to see Arsene Wenger go with two holding midfielders to provide cover for a central-defence, which is likely to consist of debutant Rob Holding and Calum Chambers.
The Gunners are also expected to be without Mesut Ozil, while Jack Wilshere is not fit after only recently returning to training.
"I'd play Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka then put Aaron Ramsey in the same role that he played so well for Wales," Nicholas said. "Ramsey is going to be vital in creating chances if Ozil isn't fit.
"Liverpool under Klopp will be very difficult on the break. I would expect him to start Roberto Firmino through the middle, with Nacho Monreal facing a big job in taking care of Mane."
Olivier Giroud is also a doubt while Danny Welbeck is sidelined, which Nicholas believes will allow Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi to impress.
"Alexis Sanchez struggles as a lone striker so you need players around him and that provides a good opportunities for Iwobi and Walcott to prove themselves.
"This could be a telling season for Iwobi and I really do think he'll come through and be successful."
The Soccer Saturday pundits have also picked their Fantasy Six-a-Side teams for the fixture, with £5,000 up for grabs for the highest scoring teams. Here's who they have selected...
