Arsenal defender Gabriel has told Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah that he will “deal with him” when the Gunners visit Anfield on Saturday. The Egyptian forward has 11 Premier League goals this season but is expected to struggle in the title match.

After Aston Villa squandered two points in their 1-1 draw at home to Sheffield United on Friday, either team will spend Christmas Day at the top of the table. Salah has only scored once in his past five league games, and former Arsenal midfielder Adrian Clarke feels that trend will continue.

“A few weeks ago, I would’ve had (Takehiro) Tomiyasu in there, but I’ll go with (Oleksandr) Zinchenko because I want us to go there with a positive mentality and control the game,” Clarke said on the Handbrake Off Podcast when asked who he would start for Arsenal. “I believe Zinchenko’s progressive passing makes a significant difference.”

“Against Luton, we saw (Jakub) Kiwior, and that affected our ability to move the ball smoothly.” The advantages will outweigh the disadvantages. Salah is a problem, but I believe Gabriel will deal with him more often than not, since the way we defend, he’s a combination of a left-back and a center-back these days, Gabriel.”

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah is expected to struggle against Arsenal.

Tomiyasu has missed the last three Arsenal games due to a calf injury, having previously been pushed across to left-back in an unconventional role in matches between the two sides since Mikel Arteta came in north London.

With Tomiyasu out again, the Spanish manager will be unable to use the same strategy on Saturday, with either Zinchenko or Kiwior likely to start at left back. Clarke believes the Polish defender, along with Tomiyasu, should sit out, preferring Zinchenko.

Adrian Clarke believes Gabriel will have to “deal with” Mohamed Salah.

Zinchenko would undoubtedly help Arteta hold possession more than Kiwior, albeit Arteta may have to give up some defensive stability. However, the manager has insisted that they will not replicate Manchester United’s approach to an Anfield away day, after the Red Devils soaked up pressure and came away with a goalless draw the previous time they played in the league.

“It’s going to be a really competitive match for sure that we’re going to try to win,” Arteta said in advance of the meeting on Friday. “And if we manage to do that, it’s going to be a really powerful thing for our team.”

Playing on the front foot would undoubtedly benefit Zinchenko and placate Clarke, but Gabriel is expected to provide more support for the Ukrainian defender and collaborate with him to keep Salah at bay.