Jurgen Klopp has insisted his Liverpool side will be "unpredictable" after Paul Merson warned the German his team will be "ripped to shreds" by Arsenal.
The Reds deployed a surprise change in formation on Tuesday for their Champions League clash with Rangers. That saw Klopp move away from his normal 4-3-3 system to a 4-2-4 line-up, which led to a comfortable win over the Scottish Premiership giants.
But with a trip to the Premier League leaders up next for Liverpool, Merson has cautioned Klopp about continuing with his new system. The former Arsenal star highlighted the Reds' midfield duo as an area of weakness the Gunners could exploit.
" Liverpool played against Rangers in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday and won quite comfortably, while Arsenal are in UEFA Europa League action later today. The Reds will have a bit more rest heading into the much-anticipated Premier League clash, but on current form, Arsenal are probably favourites as things stand," he told Sports Keeda.
"Liverpool played four forwards against Rangers and dominated the game as they secured a 2-0 win at Anfield. Against Arsenal, though, I think they'll get ripped to shreds if they play Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara against the likes of Granit Xhaka, Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard as the Gunners trio have been in sublime form this season.
"Roberto Firmino could come back into the team for this one, while Fabinho could slot into midfield to give them some more protection away from home. I just fancy Arsenal, but I'm not as confident as I was against Tottenham.
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"There was no way Arsenal were going to lose that game, I'm not as sure with this one as it represents a different test for the table toppers. This is a massive game for the Gunners and could be one of the biggest tests of Arteta's managerial career so far."
Klopp though has insisted he has not yet decided which formation he will deploy at the Emirates Stadium. Instead, he wants his team to remain "unpredictable" for the trip to the Gunners.
"For us, it's more important we become unpredictable again so we need different systems for that as well. We can name different systems. We have to choose which one is the best for us against next opponent. We have to be more unpredictable," Klopp said.
"Teams have worked out how to play against us when we're not at our best. Teams figured us out years ago but it still didn't work [for them] because we were exceptional. Whatever system we play, there's no system in the world with no weakness. It's about how we perform.
"I said before a game, if we spot a problem, we want a solution instantly clicking. We are still a work in progress to find a way back. So you cannot say we're back, we need consistency. We need to defend the rubbish out of everyone.
"I am not interested in short-term. We have to be good until we are outstanding. Arsenal away, Rangers away - a different game to Anfield - and Man City. I cannot say: 'Yes, we are through it [the bad patch].'"
