Former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell told Football Insider that he believes Roberto Firmino will start against the Gunners on Saturday evening.
The Reds travel to London to face Mikel Arteta’s men at the Emirates Stadium and with Jurgen Klopp’s men desperate to return to the top four, getting the team selection spot on will be crucial.
Diogo Jota is fit and firing and while I believe the Portuguese forward should start ahead of Firmino, Campbell wants the Brazilian to start in spite of his excellent record against the North Londoners.
KIRKBY, ENGLAND – MARCH 29: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on March 29, 2021 in Kirkby, England. PHOTO BY ANDREW POWELL/LIVERPOOL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES.
He told Football Insider: “Firmino loves playing against us. Liverpool have got one of their big boys back.
“I want Firmino in there though, I do not want to be doing battle with Liverpool when they are weakened. I want Firmino to play, as an ex-professional, I want to see the best players out on the pitch and their best XI contains Firmino.
“Fingers crossed he is fit to start because I do not want any excuses. We all know how good Firmino is, he is an incredibly talented player. He has nothing to prove, I think he’ll start if he’s fit.”
The former Hoffenheim attacking midfielder has recently returned to training after picking up a knee injury causing him to miss the last three Liverpool games while Jota is fully fit and firing once again.
Portugal’s forward Diogo Jota celebrates after scoring a goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification Group A football match between Serbia and Portugal at the Rajko Mitic Stadium, in Belgrade, on March 27, 2021. PHOTO BY PEDJA MILOSAVLJEVIC/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES.
The former Wolves star has now scored four goals and created one in his last five games for club and country and with Arsenal hosting Liverpool on Saturday, Klopp is likely to pick him over Firmino.
The German coach is a huge advocate for easing players back in after injuries if possible and with Jota in good health and good form, there’s no real reason why he should be rush back into the side.
