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Come this Sunday and two of most debated clubs of English Premier League last season will lock horns at Anfield. Arsenal and Liverpool did not have the best of seasons last year. Although Arsenal did well to finish 3rd and get automatic Champions League qualification, Liverpool had a more catastrophic season. They finished 8th, a place behind their fiercest rivals, Everton. Interestingly out of top 8, 6 city rivals finished in a pair. Top 2 were claimed by Manchester, 3 and 4 went to North London clubs and Merseyside clubs took 7th and 8th.
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Coming back to Sunday’s game, both Arsenal and Liverpool haven’t had the best of starts this year. Arsenal once again were busy in transfer saga that took away from them their two most consistent performers from last season to league giant and continental giant. While Liverpool, after spending ridiculous money last year, refrained themselves this summer. After axing fans’ favourite King Kenny, they put young and straight speaking Brendan Rogers as in-charge of this legendary club, still searching for the glory. He has done good work in injecting young blood in the team. Too early to say and give a verdict on his impact but going by the media reports, the mood around the club is positive.
Last year in this fixture, Arsenal got the better of Liverpool by winning 2-1 courtesy a van Persie volley late in second half. Of course, this will be little different this season. Let us have a look at the chances of these clubs -
Liverpool
If fans were disappointed with their start at the Hawthorns with a 3-0 defeat where the Reds never played good football, they pretty much made up for it against the Citizens. Man City managed to drew the match, thanks to some silly school type defending in the end by Liverpool but everybody knew who the deserved winner was that day. It was unlucky for Liverpool that they could not take full 3 points from that match.
Brendan Rogers’ side is finally looking settled. The injury to Lucas is a big blow but fortunately, they have a ready-made cover in Sahin. It will be interesting to see whether he starts against Arsenal or not, after being linked with Gunners for whole of August in a loan move.
Daniel Agger is available after his dismissal in the opening game and will very probably replace Coates in central defence. We will be seeing the same midfield and forward line as from Manchester City match and if Gunners score some goals, Rogers does not have the liberty to introduce Carroll as the big guy has been loaned out to West Ham United. Sterling impressed against the Champions, he has amazing composure for a 17 year old and was unfazed by the occasion. It will be a delight to see him start again.
Arsenal
For the Arsenal fans, the situation is like glass half empty or half full. Should they be happy that the defence has been rock solid in two games? Two clean sheets in as many games is not something you relate with Arsenal these days. No doubt, they have been vulnerable with high balls and set pieces. But against two tough teams, Vermaelen and company have done well so far.
Or should they be frustrated at the club’s goal scoring form which, keeping it simple, is yet to start? The new attacking force is yet to click, the players have not developed that understanding in two games and it will be unfair to say that they have not had chances. Cazorla has done his best to lay the ball for Giroud and others but due to lack of pre-season experience and exposure to Premier League, they have been inefficient.
The news of Koscielny being available for Liverpool match is a welcome one. He will replace Mertesacker probably or he might not. The defence has done well by not conceding a goal and Wenger might go for Walcott or Chamberlain instead of Gervinho as he has been a disappointment. A lot of promise has been there from the Ivorian but the results are not coming. There will be the usual midfield of Diaby, Arteta and Cazorla. It will be interesting to see who Wenger opts for up front – Giroud or Podolski? You never know with the Professor what he might come up with.
Prediction
I am hoping for some goals. Arsenal has been bogged down by resolute defence in first two matches but against Liverpool, they will get space and more opportunity to go forward. Of course, Giroud and Podolski have to do better than what they have done till now.
Key player - Cazorla can be a difference here. He likes to keep ball with him and Liverpool won’t be throwing in rash tackles like Stoke, a goal for him maybe.
Liverpool would play the same football which Rodgers played with Swansea and which Arsenal has mastered over the years in the Wenger era. Gerrard and company will make most of their boss’s passing philosophy and will try to penetrate the not-so-porous Arsenal back four.
Key player - Joe Allen has it in him to pierce defenses and frustrate opposition by keeping possession.
It will be a tough game. I think a 2-1 for Arsenal again with Diaby and Cazorla scoring for the Gunners. A consolation goal for Suarez.
