Thierry Henry says his old club Arsenal face a tough start to the Premier League season on Sunday as they host a Liverpool side well suited for the match at Emirates Stadium.
Liverpool finished eighth last season but reached the League Cup and UEFA Europa League finals in an encouraging start to Jurgen Klopp’s reign as manager at Anfield.
And they impressed last weekend by beating Barcelona 4-0 in the penultimate match of their pre-season programme, “a perfect exercise” in preparation for the visit to Arsenal.
Sky Sports pundit Henry said: “It is going to be a tough one, because it suits the way Liverpool play. The win over Barcelona was a perfect exercise, that is exactly what they’re going to have to face at Emirates Stadium.
“Liverpool will be on a mission because their first three games are away from home. If they can take something from Emirates Stadium it will be huge for their confidence. That Liverpool team look sharp.”
Henry, who scored 175 goals on the way to three Premier League titles in his playing days at Arsenal, says it is important for Arsene Wener's Gunners to start strongly.
Arsenal suffered opening weekend defeats to Aston Villa and West Ham United in two of the last three campaigns.
“It’s very important to start the league well,” Henry said. “Last year they lost the first match against West Ham, and they ran after those three points for the whole season.
“It gives momentum. It sets the tone and the mood around the place. If they can beat Liverpool, it would be a big boost for them.”
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