John Barnes’ warning to Unai Emery over Granit Xhaka as a centre back

Liverpool legend John Barnes says that Arsenal will be falling into a trap by playing Granit Xhaka as part of a back three when they visit Anfield on Saturday.

The Reds are six points clear at the top of the Premier League and have a huge week ahead of them as they look to stretch the gap with Manchester City to 11 points with a win at the Etihad next week.

Given how Unai Emery has set his side up in recent weeks, John Barnes believes he will be falling into a trap by playing Xhaka as a centre back against Liverpool.

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“Xhaka is not a centre back,” Barnes said.”If he plays there against Liverpool, that will give Liverpool a lot of hope because that’s not his position and he’s not particularly quick.

“Arsenal still play quite an attacking open game, which no team wants to do against Liverpool.

“If they do that, Liverpool will give them problems. They don’t change to try and take care of the opposition.

“They work hard all over the field, they close down in front, I don’t think they’ll try to do anything different just because [Pierre-Emerick] Aubameyang is a good player.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com