Premier League Preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Not too long ago Arsenal were in the hunt of four trophies and were perfectly placed to end their 5 year trophy drought. But setbacks after setbacks have seen them get knocked out of three competitions and currently sitting second in the Barclays Premier League, trailing Manchester United by seven points, albeit with a game in hand.

Liverpool on the other hand have enjoyed a tumultuous season so far. They have experienced how it feels like to be in the relegation zone, had a not so convincing season in Europe and also a season which saw a change in the managerial position after Roy Hodgson left the club on mutual consent after a string of poor results. This saw the return of former Kop hero Kenny Dalglish and he has since turned the side from relegation strugglers to European hopefuls.

This Sunday’s evening fixture sees both these sides taking on each other to stabilise their respective seasons. Arsenal have won the last two meetings between these teams at Emirates Stadium and are unbeaten against the Merseysiders in six games home and away. Arsenal know a win for them will help to close the gap on leaders Man Utd and keep their title hopes alive whereas a Liverpool win will see them close the gap on 5^th placed Tottenham, who currently sit on the Europa League spot.

Team News

Arsenal

Doubtful: Almunia, Sagna & Song (all knee), Denilson (toe), Djourou (shoulder), Szczesny (finger)

Injured: Bartley (knee), Fabianski (shoulder), Mannone (thigh), Vermaelen (Achilles)

Liverpool

Injured: Agger (knee), Gerrard (groin), Johnson & Kelly (both hamstring)

Although Djourou and Szczesny are doubtful, they are in the race for a starting berth at The Emirates. Djourou’s return will be a huge boost as he has been transformed this season and has developed into a quality defender. Szczesny will be welcomed back with open arms too but it still remains to be seen whether Wenger will keep faith with the 41yr old Jens Lehmann.

Injuries to Agger, Johnson and Kelly means that the youngster Flanagan, who impressed in the 3-0 win over Manchester City, will get an extended run with the first team and he’ll be hoping to not disappoint the faith his manager has shown in him and produce another faultless display.

LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS

Arsenal (W3-1 v Blackpool, away): Lehmann, Eboue, Squillaci, Koscielny, Clichy, Diaby, Fabregas (Ramsey 88), Wilshere, Nasri (Gibbs 86), van Persie, Arshavin (Walcott 61). Subs Not Used: Almunia, Rosicky, Chamakh, Bendtner.

Liverpool (W3-0 v Man City, home): Reina, Flanagan, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio, Kuyt, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Suarez, Carroll (Ngog 90). Subs Not Used: Gulacsi, Cole, Maxi, Wilson, Shelvey, Robinson.

Players to Watch

Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin

All eyes will surely be on the pocket sized Russian in this fixture. Since his move to Arsenal he has enjoyed playing against The Reds and has scored five goals in his last four games against Liverpool, albeit four in one game. Although not in best of forms at the moment, he would love to get back to his best with this fixture. Robin van Persie has also been in a good scoring form since the turn of the year and will look to trouble the Liverpool defence with his tricky movements and sharp passing game.

Liverpool: Andy Carroll

Fresh from scoring two goals for Liverpool against Manchester City on Monday, he’ll be looking to do the same this Sunday too. Already has scored once against The Gunners in their own backyard with his former club Newcastle United. The Liverpool faithful will be heavily relying on him to repeat the same feat and inflict another defeat on the Gunners on their home soil. Luis Suarez (another new signing) has also adapted comfortably at Anfield and has already earned a legendary status at the club after his performance against rivals Manchester United. His partnership with Andy Carroll will be a huge factor in deciding the outcome of this match.

Prediction

With Manchester United busy with their FA Cup semi-final game, Arsenal will look to take advantage of that situation and close the gap on The Red Devils. Liverpool, on the other hand, will desperately try to get the 3pts to put the pressure on Tottenham for a place in Europe. Liverpool have been impressive under Dalglish so far and has rose to the occasion when required but I believe Arsenal will prove too much for them this weekend and claim the 3pts.

Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool