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Barclays Premier League Preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool

Written by: admin on 10th February 2010

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What are the qualities that make for a top football side? For most people, sheer skill on the football would rank first. Teamwork and character though, would definitely rank a close second. On Saturday, against local rivals Everton, Liverpool displayed a resolve and steel that would have impressed even their harshest critics. To play two thirds of a match with ten men, go on to take the lead shortly after, and then defend that lead with confidence and composure till the final whistle, takes character.

Just over 24 hours later, an Arsenal side deflated by two Drogba goals early in the first half gave a very good account of themselves against a strong Chelsea defence at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United boss Sir Alex was willing Arsenal to go and ‘batter’ Chelsea, and Arsenal duly obliged. They out-passed; out-moved and out-maneuvered Chelsea throughout long second half spells but were not able to get the goals to show for their efforts. Notwithstanding the fact that Liverpool were successful in their endeavor and Arsenal were not, the mental strength and determination exhibited by both teams deserves special praise.

On Wednesday evening, Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates stadium in London, hoping to do a league double over the Reds. Arsenal’s title hopes have been all but extinguished after Sunday’s defeat, but the prestige of a third place finish, and outright qualification for the Champions League next season is more than enough motivation for the Londoners. After their loss to Chelsea in the league in late November, Arsenal had gone on a 10 game unbeaten run, winning seven of those games and hauling themselves back into title contention, only to be beaten by title rivals Manchester United and Chelsea in successive games.

Arsenal’s season has been about spurts; spurts of absolute and mesmerizing brilliance and spurts of mediocrity. The Gunners have lost six games so far this season, and their losses have always come in back to back games. The good news for Arsenal’s fans however, is that they have won both their matches following these back to back defeats this season, a trend they will be hoping continues against Liverpool.

Arsenal will no doubt, continue to play their brand of football, whatever the situation demands. Though football connoisseurs swear by Arsenal’s attractive attacking approach, voices of dissent in the corridors of the Emirates have been getting louder and louder. For all his talent, Andrey Arshavin is not a typical centre forward and looks lightweight whenever he’s up against a physical defence, as was proved against both Chelsea and Manchester United. Nicklas Bendtner, Arsenal’s other major attack option at present and Arsene Wenger’s idea of a physical presence up front, is both very young and woefully short of match practice, far from a finished article yet. Arsenal’s midfield, with Fabregas and Song pulling the strings, looks ample. Thomas Vermaelen and William Gallas too, have been mostly solid at the back, but if Liverpool employ counter attacking tactics (as is expected) against the attack minded centre backs, it is very difficult to see how Arsenal are going to keep Liverpool out.

If Arsenal are to win on Wednesday and keep their slim title hopes alive, Wenger will have to ensure his side balance attack and defense well, so that Liverpool don’t do to them what United and Chelsea have done in successive games.

Liverpool, on the other hand, have built up a steady momentum towards the business end of the season, and will be looking to cement their position in the top four, and possibly even knock Arsenal off third place eventually. The Reds’ have been especially effective in grinding out results, conceding just one goal in their last 7 league games. While Benitez’s team hasn’t played attractive football, they’ve still managed to grab eyeballs by playing a patient, steady brand of football.

The basis of Liverpool’s recent success has been their rock-solid defence. Jamie Carragher has adapted well to his temporary right back role in Glen Johnson’s absence and has marshalled his defence brilliantly. The Englishman will need to carry his outstanding form into Wednesday’s clash if Liverpool are to keep a fifth clean sheet in the league. Pepe Reina in goal has been assured as usual, but has his defence to thank for keeping him well protected.

Liverpool will also look to Gerrard to pass the ball effectively from the centre of midfield, as he has done in every one of Liverpool’s recent victories. Arsenal will pass the ball around, and into space, and if Mascherano and Lucas can contend with Fabregas’ guile and movement, they have every chance of getting something out of this game. Old wisdom dictates that in these close fought games, the side that controls the midfield wins the game, and this game will probably be no different.

Current form favors Arsenal. Despite back to back league defeats, Arsenal have taken 13 points from their last 6 home games in the league. Liverpool have not been so proficient in their last 6 away league outings though: only 9 points coming from a possible 18. Liverpool have just 2 wins from their last 6 away games in the league and frankly, look much more vulnerable away from home.

On the availability front, besides long term absentees Kieran Gibbs (metatarsal fracture), Johan Djourou (knee) and Robin van Persie (ankle), Arsenal will also not have the services of Fran Merida (ankle) and first choice striker Eduardo (hamstring). Incidentally, both of these players are close to fitness but are not expected to be fit in time for Wednesday’s match.

Liverpool have no new injury concerns; only Torres (knee cartilage), Benayoun (rib) and Johnson (knee ligament) will miss out on the trip to London through injury. The loss of Greek centre back Sotirios Kyrgiakos through suspension will however, cause Reds’ boss Benitez some problems. One would never want to change, by choice or by compulsion, a defence that has been so effective in recent weeks. Expect Martin Skrtel to slot into the vacated center-backs role.

Form Guide:

Arsenal (W – 1, D – 1, L – 3):
Arsenal 4-2 Bolton
Stoke 3-1 Arsenal (FA Cup)
Aston Villa 0-0 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-3 Manchester United
Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal

Liverpool: (W – 3, D – 2, L – 0):
Stoke 1-1 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-0 Spurs
Wolves 0-0 Liverpool
Liverpool 2-0 Bolton
Liverpool 1-0 Everton

Key Players:

Arsenal:
Cesc Fabregas: Undoubtedly, Arsenal’s player of the season. The Spaniard has been involved in every ‘picture-perfect’ attack Arsenal have created this season, scoring 11 league goals in the process. Arsenal’s leading goal scorer will have to lead from the front against Liverpool.
Andrey Arshavin: The Russian has only fond memories of playing against Liverpool. He will have to show greater tenacity and precision in front of goal if Arsenal are to win, and if his romance with Liverpool is to continue.

Liverpool:
Dirk Kuyt: The Dutchman will need to keep up his scintillating form, as Liverpool have few others to go to for goals presently. Four goals in his last four games, and a Liverpool victory without his name on the score sheet seems very unlikely at this moment.
Jamie Carragher: A trip to the Emirates is as tough as they come, but knowing Carragher, he’s probably relishing the thought of matching wits with Arshavin and Fabregas. The defender’s strength, awareness and presence will be crucial to Liverpool’s hopes.

Likely line-ups:

Arsenal: Almunia, Clichy, Vermaelen, Gallas, Sagna, Diaby, Song, Fabregas, Rosicky, Bendtner, Arshavin
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Agger, Insua, Lucas, Mascherano, Maxi, Gerrard, Riera, Kuyt

It’s the classic case of ‘unstoppable force meets immovable object’. Liverpool aren’t great away from home and Arsenal will be looking to exploit this weakness. Both teams are coming out of energy-sapping local derbies, but don’t expect this to be a low energy affair.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

File Photograph Copyright: Wonker

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