Liverpool vs. Arsenal, a new stage for Arsenal Trident?

Arsenal encountered bad news before the key game against Liverpool. Their main player Bukayo Saka was absent due to injury and the team still won.

Saka was injured after scoring a goal in a 5-0 victory over Leeds United. Not only Saka, captain Martin Odgao was replaced due to similar issues.

Such a situation undoubtedly made head coach Mikel Arteta feel helpless. He must quickly find solutions to fill the gap left by his two most creative players.

So, what will be the prediction of Arsenal's lineup against Liverpool when Saka and Odegao are missing? Football commentator Gary Neville gave a very interesting view on the matter.

Saka and Odegaard were injured

Arsenal's big victory against Leeds United must come at a high price. Bukayo Saka was forced to leave the game in the early part of the second half.

He looked in pain while holding onto his left leg tightly. The latest report says the winger will be out of the Green Field until the next four weeks.

Pain Arsenal's pain further intensified as captain Martin Odgau was also injured. Now, Mikel Arteta may lose both of his pillars in a big game at the same time.

The new trident front face

Gary Neville predicts who will fill the place left by Saka. He believes Noni Marduk will be moved to the right winger.

According to Neville, Maduaik looked more active and comfortable in that position. This was reflected within minutes after Saka was replaced by Leandro Trosad.

"For me, Ez would appear on the left, and I think Victor Giocres would appear on the front. That's what I think, when Saka left and Marduk moved to the right, suddenly he looked at it at ease," Gary Neville told Sky Sports.

The center line is more important

not only on the front line, but Neville also predicts that there will be changes in the middle. Odegaard's absence will force Arteta to choose an option that relies more on physical fitness.

midfielder Mikel Merino's name is confirmed as the first choice. He will partner with Declan Rish and Martin Zubimendi to enhance the stability of the midfield.

"I think he'll bring in Merion, and he'll make the team stronger and more physically confrontational. That's what I'll do, and I think Mikel Arteta will do that too."

Defence is still ace

Despite the potential collision between the offensive line and the midfield, Neville believes that Arsenal still has a big advantage. According to him, their defense is the best in the league right now.

In particular, Neville gave Julian Timber the highest praise. The Dutch Origins defender has been very solid since the beginning of the 2025/2026 season.

"They have a very reliable backline. I think Turner is a very good right back, I think he's doing very well at Old Trafford, and I think he's doing very well against Fulham," Neville concluded.