They would be even stronger position if Arsenal had not turned their form around since their defeats in both domestic cups last month, beginning in the first leg of this EFL Cup semifinal before they were then knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties by Manchester United.

Conor Bradley is almost certain to replace the England international and there are no other injury concerns for the Reds at this stage. Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have all recently made returns from injuries, offering Slot a major boost.

Goals from Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon at the Emirates have given Eddie Howe's side pole position ahead of the second leg