"Plays against Arsenal" - Rio Ferdinand tips "fantastic" Liverpool star to start against the Gunners

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes that Jurgen Klopp will start the ‘fantastic’ Fabinho against Arsenal this weekend.

The Reds returned to winning ways on Tuesday as they beat Rangers in the Champions League with a convincing display.

A free-kick from Trent Alexander-Arnold and a penalty from Mohamed Salah were enough to see off the Scottish side as the Merseyside club went second in Group A.

Much of Liverpool’s success in this game was attributed to the functionality of their double pivot, which consisted of Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara. 

Fabinho, who has arguably been Jurgen Klopp’s most consistent midfielder in recent seasons, was left on the bench for this match and was limited to just a 20 minute cameo.

However, Ferdinand believes that the Brazilian will return to the starting eleven this Sunday when Klopp’s side take on league leaders Arsenal.

Speaking to BT Sport, the former United man said: “I think Fabinho comes in and plays against Arsenal. In defensive positions in midfield, he’s fantastic, been a mainstay, so I don’t see him not coming in and playing.

“Having those four attacking players on the pitch tonight (against Rangers) was perfect. I think Arsenal is a completely different proposition and I think they won’t be able to play as freely and expansively as they did today.”

Fabinho’s exclusion from the start last night came as a surprise to many, but perhaps Klopp was protecting him ahead of the crunch fixture at the Emirates.

Arsenal’s start to the season has been electric, having accumulated 21 points from a possible 24, and defeat in North London for the Reds would leave them 14 points behind the Gunners at this early stage.

Klopp will need his best players available for this game, and that includes Fabinho as well as Roberto Firmino, who has been in fine form of late, netting a brace against Brighton on the weekend.