Arsenal will be playing into Liverpool's hands if they start Granit Xhaka as part of a back-three at Anfield, according to former Reds legend John Barnes.
The Switzerland international has been deployed as part of a back three twice this term.
Midfielder Xhaka's outings in a deeper role came in the Premier League loss to Southampton - which ended the Gunners' 22-game unbeaten run - and the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham.
Those results forced manager Unai Emery to defend the selection and Barnes feels repeating the move would be foolhardy.
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“Xhaka is not a centre back," said the ex-England international, speaking exclusively for bookmaker comparison platform BonusCodeBets.