Gabriel Martinelli has been warned that Trent Alexander-Arnold will 'be up' for Arsenal's clash with Liverpool at the weekend. Mikel Arteta is set to welcome Jurgen Klopp's side to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 9, as the Gunners look to defend their place at the top of the Premier League.
The north Londoners have failed to win in each of their last five attempts against the Merseyside club, with Liverpool winning both of the previous two matchups. Arteta will undoubtedly be looking to put the record straight with the club enjoying a great vein of form at the moment.
Martinelli, who has spearheaded Arsenal's great start to the campaign, started in each of the last three sides to lock horns with Liverpool and is yet to come out on top. The 21-year-old has directly contributed towards four goals in eight Premier League games this season and, with Alexander-Arnold in somewhat of rut of poor defensive showings, he'll be hoping to add to his tally.
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However, the Brazil international has been warned that the Liverpool star will 'be up' for the game as Klopp looks to get the club's season back on track. Speaking to Football Insider, Kevin Campbell said: "Martinelli gave Trent Alexander-Arnold so many problems last season, if you remember rightly.
"Using his pace, running at him; he was inside, outside. You didn't know whether he was coming or going. But, just like what Liverpool do, Liverpool weathered the storm.
"Arsenal had chances - didn't take them," the former Gunners striker said. "They weathered the storm, came back and ended up winning the game 2-0. That's what the best teams do so, again, it's a key battle and one that Martinelli had a really good game last season.
"Listen, Liverpool are going to be up for this game that's for sure. Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to be up for this game, that's for sure. And, it's a game Liverpool can really get their season back on track with a win."
Campbell continued by claiming that Martinelli will be high on confidence following his bright display in the north London derby. The Brazilian was unfortunate not to register a goal contribution as Arsenal beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-1,
"It's going to be a difficult game," he added. "But, that key battle, obviously Martinelli should be full of confidence after that performance against Spurs."
Martinelli's influence on the high-profile bout didn't go unnoticed too. Following the clash, Granit Xhaka lauded his teammate for his role in the historic victory.
Speaking to BBC Sport, the Switzerland international said: "Gabriel Martinelli has a lot to be one of the best. He goes 100 miles per hour. He has to push himself with how far he can go. He has the team and everything around to help him.
"When Mikel came three years ago, he said he needed time, and you can see the results. We have a big squad with a lot of potential, and we are showing it on the pitch. We have a different type of spirit and mentality in the team, and you can see that."
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