Arsenal take on Liverpool in the FA Cup third-round (Photo: Visionhaus)
Jose Enrique believes that Liverpool are not taking the FA Cup as seriously as Arsenal, but still backs his former side to reach the fourth-round.
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates on Sunday in what is the pick of the third-round fixtures.
The game is too close to call as while the Reds do lead the Gunners in the title race and are in better form, it was only two weeks ago that the sides played out a tight 1-1 draw at Anfield.
And as this is not a Premier League clash, it is expected that both sides will make changes, with Jurgen Klopp likely to heavily rotate his team as he has done in the past for the domestic cup competitions.
Enrique, an FA Cup finalist with Liverpool in 2012, thinks Arsenal will be more up for this clash, but still holds out hope that Liverpool can claim a narrow victory.
‘This game is important for both sides but Liverpool have to think about the rest of their season and they still have the Europa League to play, in which they will most likely go all the way,’ the former full-back told Grosvenor Sport.
‘There are just too many games at the moment so Liverpool will definitely need to make changes. It is sad because the FA Cup is a great competition to play in.
Arsenal’s last trophy win was the 2020 FA Cup (Photo: Getty Images)
‘I remember playing Chelsea in the final when we lost and, of course, it was Didier Drogba who made the difference – what a player!
‘I think this game is more important to Arsenal. Liverpool were awful last season but now they are fighting for the Premier League, which I don’t think they can win unless they make signings in January.
‘Arsenal have spent a lot of money and sometimes a good position in the league is just not enough, they need to win more. Liverpool finishing in the top four will be good for them and they will be fighting for the Europa League, so it is more important for Arsenal to go far in the FA Cup.
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‘Regardless, I can’t go against Liverpool and I always believe in them. Arsenal are probably the favourites to win this game because the team they put out will be stronger than Liverpool’s, but I will go for a 2-1 win for Liverpool.’
Arsenal have not won a major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020 and following shock loses to West Ham and Fulham have slipped to fourth in the table, five points off leaders Liverpool.
The Reds are still in all four competitions this season and have to contend with a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final against Fulham in January.
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Arsenal vs Liverpool is the pick of the third-round fixtures.
