Liverpool are preparing for a big week, with Chelsea visiting Anfield in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday before Arsenal arrive for next Sunday’s Premier League clash.
The Reds defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0 on Sunday, extending their winning run to four matches across all competitions and securing their first home league win of the season.
Liverpool benefited massively from the home support in the victory over Brighton, ending the Seagulls’ four-league game winning streak and scoring run.
Gakpo, speaking to liverpoolfc.com, believes that playing at home can also help them against Chelsea and Arsenal, but admitted that they must maintain the intensity they showed against Brighton.
“Obviously it’s always a big help if we play at home and I think if we can put the energy like we put in now, I think we’re going to get massive help from the fans because they are always behind us.
“But obviously when we play a little bit better, they’re even more behind us, so it’s amazing that they are there for us every time again, even when it’s stormy like today.
“It’s a big help to play Chelsea at home, and then obviously Arsenal at home is good if we get them behind us.”
Andoni Iraola faces dilemma ahead of big week
Iraola has rotated his side heavily to keep the freshness and prevent injuries due to the heavy schedule.
Despite his rotation, Liverpool have had to deal with several injury concerns this season. Victor Munoz and Dominik Szoboszlai were sidelined against Brighton, while Florian Wirtz came off injured.
Iraola now faces a selection dilemma ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal’s visits.
A defeat to the Blues would knock them out of the Carabao Cup, while a loss to the Gunners could leave them nine points adrift of the top of the Premier League table.
Iraola may field a weakened starting line-up against Chelsea, mixing senior players such as Joe Gomez and Kostas Tsimikas with academy players, while naming a stronger team against Arsenal.
Liverpool are enjoying a good run of form, but the next two games could prove to be among Iraola’s biggest challenges yet, given the demanding schedule and injury concerns.