Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Calum Chambers’ performance against West Ham meant he had to stay in the side against Liverpool.
Arteta opted not to recall Hector Bellerin, who is among the Gunners’ substitutes at the Emirates Stadium.
It gives Chambers a chance to establish himself in the starting line-up.
Arteta told Sky Sports: “He’s been really pushing, really good in training and was really good when we played West Ham and this is why he’s starting.”
Arteta made four changes from the West Ham game.
David Luiz has a knee injury and Pablo Mari was dropped to the bench, while Gabriel partners Rob Holding in central defence.
In midfield, Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe come in for Granit Xhaka, who is ill, and Bukayo Saka, who has a hamstring problem.
Arteta is also without Emile Smith-Rowe but is keen not to dwell on Arsenal’s injury problems.
“It can happen after the international break or at any time of the season,” Arteta said.
“We must try to be as competitive as we always want to be and don’t try to find any excuses.
“The standard and the quality of Liverpool means we have to be at our best. We have to really go for it. Everybody has got a point to prove and we have to go for it.”
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