Caoimhin Kelleher believes Liverpool will be fully prepared for their match against Arsenal on Sunday, aiming to extend their lead to seven points over Mikel Arteta’s side.
The goalkeeper expressed his confidence, noting that he benefits from the knowledge that his time as a starter will continue while Alisson Becker recovers from a hamstring injury.
The Reds are currently second in the Premier League table, having won seven of their eight fixtures so far.
However, the trip to the Emirates poses a significant challenge, marking the toughest test yet for Arne Slot since he took over from Jurgen Klopp this summer.
The Gunners have finished above Liverpool for the past two seasons and defeated Klopp’s team 3-1 in north London back in February.
Last week, Arsenal suffered a 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth, and they could find themselves seven points adrift of Liverpool if they lose on Sunday.
The hosts will likely be without several key players, including suspended centre-back William Saliba, along with injury doubts for Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, and Riccardo Calafiori.
Caoimhin Kelleher emphasised that the entire Liverpool squad is ready to embrace the challenge and feels more at ease performing knowing that Alisson’s return isn’t imminent.
“Are we ready? Yes, of course,” he said.
“I will always back the team. I know the quality we have.
“It is going to be a tough game, obviously, going to the Emirates, it is not easy at all but we will do our best to be as well prepared as we can and we will give it a good go.
“It is early days in the title race but it is still a massive game.
“We did not get the best result there last season and we will be looking to do better this time.
“It will be really tough and we need to be prepared.
“It has been a great start, obviously. It is down to a number of things.
“Definitely, the defensive form has been key.
“We have kept a lot of clean sheets and conceded less goals.
“On nights like this (the 1-0 win over Leipzig), it is not easy coming away from home but to dig in and defend well as a whole team, we are doing that brilliantly right now.”
Caoimhin Kelleher will start behind the strongest defensive line in the Premier League at the Emirates, with the Reds having conceded only three goals in their eight league fixtures and five goals across all competitions in twelve matches.
The Ireland international added: “Of course, I don’t want to be busy at all.
“The defenders are key to that this season.
“The whole team has really put in some shifts and there have been some big blocks and big tackles to get the clean sheets.
“Yes, definitely, it is easier [knowing you will stay in the team].
“You get a rhythm of games as well.
“When you know you have game time coming up it is easier to prepare.
“I just need to keep playing well when I have the opportunity.
“It is nice to get a run of games and hopefully get some clean sheets. Now and again [I chat to Alisson].
“To be honest, we know each other quite well.
“He knows I do not need to say much as I know what to do but yes, sometimes, there are conversations.”
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