Liverpool, January 12

Arsene Wenger says Arsenal will face a stern test of their Premier League title credentials when they take on Liverpool on Wednesday.

Wenger’s side head to Anfield two points clear at the head of the table and having won five of their last six league games. The weekend FA Cup third round victory over Sunderland extended their winning run and Wenger acknowledges his side’s recent success has strengthened the belief they can push on during the second half of the season. The Gunners manager, though, knows any meeting with Liverpool carries an extra edge that was demonstrated when the sides met on Merseyside last season, with the home side clinching a point thanks to Martin Skrtel’s stoppage-time equaliser.

“The momentum creates confidence and confidence is vital at that level,” Wenger said. “In December and now in January we have been consistent and we go into a very important part of the season because we play many games. “Every time we go to Anfield, we face a team who is up for it. It’s always a ferocious battle, no matter who the manager is. “They had a very strong manager before, they have a very strong one now and Jurgen Klopp has the personality to do well there.” Wenger hopes to add Basel midfielder Mohamed Elneny to his squad this week. “I expect Mohamed yes, we are positive that this week it can happen,” he said.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is looking forward rather than back as he prepares to take on Arsene Wenger in English football for the first time. The pair have previously met at Champions League level with honours almost even, Wenger enjoying three wins to Klopp’s two and a draw from his time in charge at Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund.