Arsenal could make big January transfer window call ahead of Liverpool clash amid left-back concern

Liverpool kicked off their new year in perfect fashion with a strong win over Newcastle United at Anfield. Thanks to their 13-game unbeaten run in the Premier League, the Reds are three points clear at the top of the table with just one loss recorded all season.

Next on the calendar is their meeting with title rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup. The two sides will lock horns on Sunday in the third round of the competition at the Emirates. Liverpool will certainly be feeling confident in edging out the Gunners as they look to continue their run of form.

Arsenal — who were dealt back-to-back defeats by West Ham and Fulham at the end of December — could be about to make a big decision now the January transfer window is open. Mikel Arteta is facing defensive concerns following Oleksandr Zinchenko's latest injury worry.

The 27-year-old was ruled out of their most recent clash against Fulham after suffering a 'slight calf issue'. No return date has been specified yet, meaning as it stands, Arsenal are without a natural left-back heading into their clash with Liverpool.

According to The Express, Arteta and co could decide to recall Kieran Tierney from his loan spell with Real Sociedad this month. The Scotland international struggled for regular game time in North London last season and went out on loan to get things back on track.

However, Arsenal could be calling upon him to plug the big gap on the left side of their defence, especially after stand-in options Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu were unable to make much of an impact against Fulham.

Liverpool were lively and hungry for goals on New Year's Day, tallying a huge 34 shots and 15 on target as they caused all sorts of problems for the Newcastle defence. With just four goals scored though, the Reds must avoid wasting big chances but they will certainly be fancying their chances against Arsenal's defensive concerns.