EXCLUSIVE: Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith says only one of Andoni Iraola's stars would get into the Gunners' starting XI under Mikel Arteta ahead of the pair's clash this Sunday

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has claimed that only ONE of Andoni Iraola's Liverpool players would get into a combined XI between the sides under Mikel Arteta.

Ahead of the pair meeting in the Premier League at Anfield this Sunday, Smith is yet to be convinced that Liverpool has shown enough positive signs to definitely be in title contention. But there is no doubt that one man has been in excellent form, already being decisive in three league wins away from home.

"I think Alexander Isak (is the only one) — I don't think there are many others," Smith tells Liverpool.com. "You could argue somebody like Bradley Barcola from the left, but no, I think at the moment, just Isak.

"I mean, you saw earlier this week against Fleetwood, Arsenal are crying out for some real quality through the middle — somebody that can lead that line and score goals.

"Isak is a very accomplished player. He's polished, he's classy. They were linked at one stage, I think. But yeah, there aren't many center forwards out there you would think could improve Arsenal, but I think Isak is certainly one of them."

There has been some chatter this week that a Liverpool victory over Arsenal this weekend could be a sign that the Reds can enter the Premier League title conversation.

Manchester City, of course, leads the way at the moment, but there is uncertainty about the potential sanctions that the Etihad side could face.

But even though Arsenal has not been in perfect form at the start of the new season, Smith believes that the Gunners are still better placed to maintain consistency across the course of a full campaign.

"There's still a question defensively about Liverpool, isn't there? They are leaking goals," Smith, speaking on behalf of Best Betting Sites, continues.

"Villarreal got three against them; LASK did in the Champions League as well, got three. So there's still that for Andoni Iraola to sort out going forward.

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"They're looking a bit happier. But I think they're still a way off Arsenal in terms of consistency and quality, so I can't really see them pushing them all the way."

After hosting Arsenal, Liverpool travels to Crystal Palace in the Premier League before the November international break. It returns with a home clash against Manchester United.

Liverpool.com says: Right now, it does seem like a stretch for the Reds to be in contention for the league title, given the lack of depth in a couple of key areas.

Beating Arsenal this weekend, though, would make that conversation inevitable, and momentum can build quickly. Iraola's men simply have to take it one game at a time.