Mikel Arteta appears to have effectively given Andoni Iraola’s team, claiming he is “fully convinced” Arsenal will beat Liverpool.

Liverpool fans are no stranger to Arteta’s bizarre mind games, and the latest clash with Arsenal has provided another opportunity for the Gunners’ manager to make bold claims.

Despite the Reds having lost just once this season, with 10 men against Man City, Arteta is very confident that his team will emerge from L4 with three points.

“I’m fully convinced that we are going to go there on Sunday and win the game,” he told Sky Sports.

“I think it’s so clear what we have to do. I think we are very convinced with what has to be achieved in that game to give us the chance to win it.”

It was then put to the ex-Everton player that winning would be difficult given that Arsenal have not triumphed at Anfield since 2012.

Arteta responded: “Now’s the opportunity to change it and we’ve done it in many, many stadiums since I’ve been here that for many, many years we didn’t have any results and we have won many times.

“And the next one is Anfield.”

While the Arsenal coach cut an assured figure in his view that his side are superior, he did have time to praise Liverpool and his childhood friend, Iraola.

“I think they have every ingredient to be up there, challenging for any trophy that they participate [in],” added Arteta.

“Look at the quality of the squad, the manager, the history that they have. So there is no question for me about that.”

Arsenal’s injury news ahead of Liverpool clash

Arsenal played their Carabao Cup defeat to Fleetwood on Tuesday without Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis.

However, despite their absence in midweek, the latter three are all likely to be available at Anfield.

Rice was absent due to discomfort in his hamstring and Madueke with an ankle issue, while Tzolis has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since the international break.

On Friday, Arteta indicated that the trio are expected to be available against the Reds after returning to training.

Arteta said of Rice, Calafiori and Tzolis: “They all trained today. If they train tomorrow (Saturday), they will all be available.”

As for Madueke, there is less certainty where he is concerned, but the Arsenal boss refused to rule him out: “We don’t know yet.

“We have a training session tomorrow; let’s see if he can complete the full session. After that, we will know if he’s available.”