As the Premier League gears up for the heavyweight clash between Liverpool and Arsenal, a game that could’ve been crucial in deciding this year’s champions, now has a slightly less meaningful feel to it.

Liverpool, who were confirmed as the Premier League champions two weeks ago after an emphatic home win against Tottenham Hotspur made it mathematically impossible for Arsenal to catch them, now welcome the London side to Anfield this afternoon.

The matchup between the pair earlier on in the season finished in a 2-2 draw, with Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah on the scoresheet at the Emirates.

Two players that the club are now fortunate to call their own for at least another two seasons.

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Despite there being less on the line for this game, it will be exciting to see the events of today play out, starting with Arsenal giving Liverpool a guard of honour before the game.

A bitter pill to swallow for the Gunners after a bruising week that saw them exit the Champions League at the semifinal stage at the hands of PSG.

The focus has shifted from the game being a title-decider, to the news that Arne Slot is set to start Conor Bradley over Trent Alexander-Arnold for the remaining games of the season.

With Alexander-Arnold on his way to Madrid, Slot will play Bradley to build up his minutes ahead of next season.

Ahead of the game this afternoon, Micah Richards and Jamie Carragher have given their thoughts on the situation.

Richards said: “The Liverpool fans have made it known that they are not happy, especially with the way it has happened, him going on a free contract but he’s made his decision.”

“I am just more gutted for him personally and on a personal note in terms of his quality in the Premier League and what he brings.

Football in terms of the full-back has changed so much and what he has done on the pitch has just been incredible.”

“To see him leave the Premier League is just sad because we want the best players within the league, but I totally understand his decision as well.”

Carragher then gave this thoughts, after being questioned on whether Alexander-Arnold should be involved in the Arsenal game at all.

He said: “That almost feels like a punishment in someway but I think I said after the Leicester game and the league was won after the Leicester game and Trent came on and made his decisive moment with the goal but for me Liverpool then have to start thinking about next season.”

“For me Conor Bradley should start, Trent shouldn’t start these games between now and the end of the season.”

Liverpool have been linked to numerous right-backs in recent weeks as they explore the possibility of replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold, but these next three games could prove vital for Bradley if he is to convince Slot that he has what it takes to be the team’s number one right-back choice.

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