Sutton's predictions: Liverpool v Arsenalpublished at 10:41 11 May
10:41 11 May
Arsenal were really good against Paris St-Germain on Wednesday, and I was impressed by how brave they were, but they still went out of the Champions League.
There will be Gunners fans out there who will think they should be winning more trophies than they have managed under Mikel Arteta, who has still not added to the FA Cup he lifted in his first season, 2019-20.
Arsenal are still heading in the right direction but the biggest problem for me has been their recruitment, especially for them to not sign a striker last summer. There are such fine margins between success and failure at the highest level, and you need someone to put away your chances in the biggest games.
They basically admitted that by trying to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa in January and if anyone or anything is to blame for another trophyless season, then that's where it lies.
Now Arsenal need to refocus and make sure they don't let second place slip away.
This game obviously is not the title decider that some people may have anticipated earlier in the season, but I still feel both sides will be desperate to win it.
In terms of the game itself, I really don't know what to expect. Liverpool were way below their best against Chelsea last week, but Arne Slot could go strong here and they may feel they have a point to prove against their nearest rivals.
Similarly, Arsenal could be flat after their disappointment in Paris, or they could come out firing. Hopefully that's the case, and both teams will be up for it.
Arsenal's game with Liverpool on Sunday will be the third time the Gunners have faced the Premier League champions in a season with the title already confirmed, previously drawing 1-1 with Manchester United in 2012-13 and beating Liverpool 2-1 in 2019-2020.
🎧 Trent, a title and a tight racepublished at 16:40 9 May
16:40 9 May
On the latest episode of his BBC Sounds podcast, Kyle Walker talks about Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool's title, the race for the Champions League and dealing with injury at AC Milan.
What are Slot's thoughts on right-back signing?published at 16:28 9 May
16:28 9 May
Mandeep Sanghera BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Reuters
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will start with Conor Bradley at right-back against Arsenal on Sunday but, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving, was keeping his cards close to his chest when it came to talk about adding to that position during the summer.
Slot has started with centre-backs Joe Gomez, Jarell Quansah and midfielder Curtis Jones in that position because of injuries this season and, having said he has "confidence" in Bradley, it remains to be seen what the Dutchman will do.
"I think it would be a surprise if I were to tell you now - 'Yes, we we are looking at this and looking at that'," said Slot before his side host the Gunners at Anfield at 16:30 BST on Sunday.
"We don't talk about contracts here so we don't talk about the positions or if we want to improve the team in certain areas."
Slot, speaking to the media for the first time since Alexander-Arnold announced he would be leaving the Reds in the summer when his contract ends, admitted there was disappointment at the England's international's decision and suggested bringing in another right-back would be a tough challenge.
"First of all - and that's the most difficult thing for a club like Liverpool if you just won the league and were so competitive against PSG because they needed penalties to knock us out [in the Champions League] – it is not easy to find better players than we already have," he said.
"If they are there then they still need to be affordable and need to want to come. That last thing is mostly not a problem, by the way, but sometimes transfer fees are."
'Alexander-Arnold does not deserve the ridiculous abuse he is getting'published at 14:16 9 May
14:16 9 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has had his say on Trent Alexander-Arnold's exit within his weekly match predictions, which you'll find on this page on Saturday.
Speaking about Liverpool's departing full-back, Sutton wrote: "There is this debate surrounding Alexander-Arnold now, and whether he should start at Anfield this weekend or play for the club again at all, and also what kind of reception he will get if he does.
"No-one can tell Liverpool fans, or fans of any club, what to think - myself included - but we can all have an opinion on this whether we support them or not and I think some of the reaction to this whole saga has been completely over the top.
"Fair-minded people will look at Alexander-Arnold as someone who has given over 20 years service to his boyhood club after rising through the ranks, but just wants a different challenge at Real Madrid, the biggest club in the world, and the most successful one in terms of winning European Cups and Champions Leagues.
"If they were in the same position, what would they do? You have always got your die-hards who are not going to change or see things anyone else's way, but Alexander-Arnold does not deserve the ridiculous abuse he is getting."
Media caption,
Slot on Alexander-Arnold's pending departure from Liverpool
Slot outlines Bradley's 'next step'published at 11:59 9 May
11:59 9 May
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says the club "have a lot in confidence" in Conor Bradley being able to step up into the full-back position once Trent Alexander-Arnold departs this summer.
The 21-year-old covered Alexander-Arnold's injury spell last season and produced an eye-catching display against Real Madrid in the Champions League in November.
"Let's not compare him with Trent," said Slot. "They are two different types [of player].
"With Conor, I think we all see the potential.
"Last week I walked on to the pitch [at Stamford Bridge] with him and for me, it was a surprise to hear from him. He had a comment about the stadium and it was because it was the first time he had been there as well.
"For me he is already there ahead of development than being at Chelsea for the first time.
"Unfortunately he hasn't been fit all season and to become a very good player you have to be available and fit every week. That's the next step, but we have a lot of confidence in him as a very good full-back for Liverpool."
Slot confirmed Bradley will start against Arsenal on Sunday because "he needs playing time to be better prepared for next season".
Mac Allister named Premier League Player of the Monthpublished at 11:57 9 May
11:57 9 May
Image source, Getty Images
Alexis Mac Allister has been named as the Premier League's player of of the month for April.
The midfielder started in all five of Liverpool's matches last month, scoring two goals and recording one assist as the Reds secured the Premier League title.
He becomes the fourth Argentine to win the award after Juan Sebastian Veron, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero.
Salah wins FWA's Footballer of the Yearpublished at 10:57 9 May
10:57 9 May
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah has been named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the year.
This is the third time the Egyptian forward has won the award, tying with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry for the most. This comes after Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League title.
Salah, 32, received more than 90% of the votes from the Football Writers' Association's 900 members with team-mate Virgil van Dijk coming second, followed by Alexander Isak in third and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice fourth.
The Liverpool forward has scored 28 goals in the Premier League this season and has contributed 18 assists in 35 games.
Slot on Alexander-Arnold leaving, fans' reaction and Bradley stepping uppublished at 09:42 9 May
09:42 9 May
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Arsenal (kick-off 16:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Right-back Conor Bradley will start the game because "he needs playing time to be better prepared for next season" following the news Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave this summer.
On Alexander-Arnold's pending departure: "Like everyone who likes Liverpool and is a fan of us, we're disappointed because a good human is leaving but also a very good full-back. The experience I have - and this club as well - if a good player leaves, the next player steps up and that is what will go again."
In response to whether Alexander-Arnold will leave early to go and play in Club World Cup for Real Madrid: "Do you know where Trent is going? He hasn't said anything - just that he will leave - so it is impossible to comment if he will play in the Club World Cup. You see by my smile, we both know where he is going to!"
He said he has spoken to Alexander-Arnold on WhatsApp but he will "wait and see how he feels" before he decides what involvement he will have on Sunday.
On any concerns about his full-back getting a negative reception: "People have an opinion, on Trent, me or anyone. It is nothing new. It is probably a bit more negative than he is used to. I am not here to tell the fans how to react. Trent said that us, as a team and club, should not to be too distracted by this announcement, so I hope all the energy goes to the players and as less as possible to Trent, unless it is positive."
Slot said he will have "the same thought process" when selecting his starting line-up against Arsenal but there could be some tweaks as "losing a game of football" has consequences.
On the current state of the Gunners: "Both teams look forward to playing this game. Difficult to predict. There is a little bit at stake for Arsenal as I presume they would rather finish second than third or fourth. Difficult to predict if it will be edgy but it is a game to look forward to."
How does Slot handle Alexander-Arnold situation?published at 07:39 9 May
07:39 9 May
Image source, Getty Images
Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be up before the media at about 09:00 BST this morning when we will hear from the Dutchman for the first time since Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he would be leaving the Reds.
Alexander-Arnold has said he will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract runs out on 30 June, 2025 and will not be extending his deal like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk.
The England right-back has been expected to join Real Madrid for a while and the Spanish club have approached Liverpool to sign him before his contract ends so he can play at the Fifa Club World Cup, which starts on 14 June in the United States.
It will be interesting to see what Slot has to say on the issue and what he does now in terms of playing Alexander-Arnold for his side's remaining three games of the season.
Can he play him as with the situation as it is? Should Conor Bradley now become his first choice?
The Reds host Arsenal on Sunday and we should also find out what Slot made of comments from Gunners boss Mikel Arteta earlier this week.
Arteta said Liverpool had "won the title with less points than we have in the past two seasons".
Liverpool were confirmed as this season's Premier League champions with 82 points after 34 games, with Arsenal having 77 points after the same amount of games last season and 78 at the same stage of the prior campaign.
Arsenal finished last season with 89 points and had 84 at the end of 2022-23.
Gossip: Reds begin talks to sign Rodrygopublished at 07:13 9 May
Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong has a £29.7m release clause in his contract, providing a major boost to Liverpool who are keen on the 24-year-old Netherlands international. (Talksport), external
Finally, Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal are showing serious interest in Liverpool's 25-year-old Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez and 28-year-old Colombia winger Luis Diaz. (Caught Offside), external
'I don't think anyone predicted this' - Carragher on Liverpool's title winpublished at 17:53 8 May
17:53 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has waxed lyrical about Arne Slot's debut season as manager after their Premier League title win.
Slot replaced Jurgen Klopp over the summer and many predicted that this would be a year of transition, with the chances of winning the league seeming unlikely.
"I don't think anyone predicted this, not even the biggest Liverpool supporter," Carragher said speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside. "To win the league title is just 'wow'. We know how hard it's been over the last few years for Jurgen Klopp and he's created some of the best Liverpool teams the club has ever seen.
"To win the league in the first season for Slot is out of this world.
"I like that he's done it his way. He hasn't tried to be Jurgen Klopp or imitate him except for the microphone after the Tottenham game. I thought that was a brilliant moment and sums up Liverpool - that no-one is bigger than the club.
"The big thing for me is going into next season as favourites to win the league, we very rarely say that, even under Klopp. But I think if Liverpool have a good summer, it's the first time I sort of back them to win the league at the start of the season."
If he plays against Arsenal on Sunday, it will be Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk's 300th Premier League appearance.
He would be the fourth Dutchman to reach the milestone, after George Boateng (384), Dennis Bergkamp (315) and Edwin van der Sar (313).
Liverpool 'know they cannot let things get stale'published at 12:12 8 May
12:12 8 May
Image source, Getty Images
Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving is as big a deal as Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk staying.
You could argue that they need to try and replace him, but how do you replace a boy that came through the academy with the unique skillset that he has? Someone who has got the same drive to do what he did because he is a true, true Liverpudlian?
And yet even just from a numbers standpoint, you would think they are going to need to try and replace him at some level.
When it comes to the rest of the team, they might also want to look at the forward line. Are they happy? Is the manager happy with, for example, the situation with the number nines? I'm not 100 per cent sure. There has been so much variation in who and how they have played that position.
Then there is the likes of Andy Robertson, whose contract is going to be coming to an end in summer 2026. With the sagas and dramas we saw of this campaign, will that be happening next year too?
Liverpool will be looking at two or three players, one in each position to help give the squad good balance. It will not need a lot more because, as we have seen, what they have right now is capable of winning a Premier League title.
They are dynamic. They are really good with how they want to play football. They are tough. They have got good size. Overall, the squad is a very good age, barring one or two players. So with what they have got at present, they have the design and are going to do well for the future too.
Any team that chooses not to get something fresh is likely going to get caught out somewhere further down the road. And sometimes, that is not as far as we believe it will be.
Liverpool have real quality right now, but they know they cannot just let things get stale. All the teams behind them this season will have huge ambitions and want to give themselves an opportunity to win the Premier League title next year.
Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport's Nicola Pearson
Gossip: Reds ready to sell Tsimikas published at 07:24 8 May
07:24 8 May
Liverpool are ready to sell 28-year-old Greece left-back Kostas Tsimikas this summer. (Football Insider), external
Adam: We need a striker as a priority. We have attacking midfielders that are proven goalscorers but need an in-box marksman.
Jimmy: Trent Alexander-Arnold is not "replaceable" because he is unique and I hope he comes back in a couple of years. Losing him will open a door for Harvey Elliot in the meantime. Our main need is a composed and proven striker. Alexander Isak may be the obvious choice, but if Cunha behaves, he could be a better fit in a mobile front three. Harry Kane could be a good option off the bench.
Drew: Has to be an out-and-out striker. Darwin Nunez is far too inconsistent and has been given more than enough chances.
Sam: Michael Owen said that the only areas that must be strengthened are left-back and centre-forward, due to Conor Bradley being an adequate replacement for Trent. I think we can book it down to the centre forward. After all, defence has not been the Reds' biggest problem this campaign. Meanwhile, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez's moments of class have been very few and far between. It's an easy decision for me.
However, not everyone agrees with these sentiments.
Other fans argued the case for strengthening alternative positions.
Ken: Prior to the news this week, I would have earmarked the centre-back position but a right-back is now more pressing. This isn't because Bradley isn't a promising option but because he'd be the only option. Given that he's not fully grown into his body, has been susceptible to picking up injuries and is still a rookie at this level, another option to provide competition at right-back is crucial.
Phil: Fabulous first season for Arne but he needs to recruit in defence now. Alexander-Arnold is leaving, a creative midfielder and a new number nine is needed but I reckon there will be one signing that will surprise everyone.
Brian: A left-back. Andy Robertson is off the pace now and Kostas Tsimikas is average. We need a good young player like Milos Kerkez to be, one: a good defender and two: attack-minded, with a good delivery.