Paul Merson believes that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp may be set to axe Darwin Nunez for Sunday’s visit to Arsenal.
The Anfield outfit are gearing up for a massive test tomorrow with a trip to the high-flying Gunners, who sit top of the Premier League standings.
It’s safe to say that Nunez hasn’t lit the Premier League alight since joining Klopp’s side for £85 million this past summer from Benfica.
He hasn’t scored since the opening-day draw away to Fulham and a red card in the following game gave him a three-match suspension.
Arsenal are definitely strong enough to pile more woe on Liverpool tomorrow and Merson believes that the German manager could drop his Uruguay international for Roberto Firmino.
Firmino has netted five goals in six Premier League outings this season and the former Gooner believes that he – and Fabinho – may come back into the first XI, having been dropped versus Rangers in midweek.
He told Sportskeeda: “Roberto Firmino could come back into the team for this one, while Fabinho could slot into midfield to give them some more protection away from home.”
There’s no doubt that Nunez – who earns £180,000 per week on Merseyside – is a brilliant player and one who will come good eventually.
But for the moment, Merson is right in saying that Firmino might be a better option.
Not only has the Brazil international scored five Premier League goals this season, but he has a good record of scoring against Arsenal and hit a hat-trick versus them a few years ago.
Klopp won’t play both of them in the first XI on Sunday. It’ll be one or the other and maybe, just maybe, Firmino is a better option.
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