After two goalless draws in the opening games, Arsenal head to Anfield to try and pick up their first 3 points of the season and silence their critics.
However, the same could be said about the home side. After their shocking 3-0 defeat to West Brom on the opening day of the season and the entertaining yet disappointing 2-2 draw with Man City last weekend, Liverpool have a way to go to prove their top four credentials.
The last time the two sides met resulted in a 2-1 Arsenal victory at Anfield courtesy of a last minute volley from he who must not be named. This ended Liverpool’s hopes of top four and emphasised their poor home form of last season. Anfield has been quite a happy hunting ground for Arsenal recently, unbeaten in their last five league visits having won 2 and drawn 3.
Arsenal team news
Arsenal will be delighted to welcome back Laurent Koscielny to the squad on Sunday. Whether or not he goes straight back into the team given Mertesacker’s solid form remains to be seen however given the fact he will be up against a pacey Liverpool front three, I think Wenger will opt for the speed of Koscielny (if he’s 100% match fit).
Fans will also hope to welcome back new number 1 Szczesny to the starting line up as he faces a late fitness test.
Long term absentees Bacary Sagna & Jack Wilshere are penned in for a return after the international break while Tomas Rosicky should be back early October.
Liverpool team news
Liverpool centre back Daniel Agger should be back in the starting line up after completing his 1 match suspension.
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva will miss out after being ruled out for up to four months following his unsuccessful return from injury last weekend.
Joe Cole is also expected to miss out following a hamstring injury.
New loan signing Nuri Sahin is likely to be part of the squad however is doubtful to make the starting 11 due to his lack of match fitness.
Tactics – expect an open game for a change!
Yes! For the first time this season, expect an open game. Being at home, Liverpool will be expected to go out and attack from minute 1.
Also, with the acquisition of new manager Brendan Rodgers, we should see a more attacking and expansive style of football from Liverpool. Expect Joe Allen to sit in front of the defence allowing Gerrard & Shelvey more freedom in the attacking third. Full backs Johnson & Enrique will also be getting forward offering more attacking options for the home side.
As dangerous as this may sound for us, this should play right into our hands as they will become more exposed the more men they push forward. Our pace down the flanks in Walcott/Chamberlain & Podolski should exploit the space in the wide areas as their full backs attack.
Arteta and Coquelin will sit back and allowing Cazorla more freedom to pick out our attacking players.
After his impressive performance against Stoke last week, I expect Giroud to boss Skrtel & Agger around and win plenty in the air.
I think Podolski can have a run at Johnson as I don’t believe he is good defensively. Liverpool have already conceded 5 goals in their first 2 games this season. Also with Pepe Reina not looking in the best of form, this could the confidence boost that our forwards need to get us going this season.
I expect a tight affair with both teams battling to dictate their style of play. Scoring the first goal will be crucial and we will get a clear indication as to who is going to win from there.
Key Players
Santi Cazorla – the Spaniard has been excellent so far this season and is unlucky not to have any goals/assists to his name. He will play the number 10 role behind the striker feeding team mates through and having shots himself. Expect to see Joe Allen trying to pin down him this Sunday.
Carl Jenkinson – after 2 solid games the young right back faces the prospect of winger Raheem Sterling. This should be a good duel on the wing as Sterling is a pacey customer and it will be interesting to see how Jenkinson deals with him.
Luis Suarez – the Uruguayan is a difficult customer for any defence with his pace and trickery. Expect Koscielny/Vermaelen to get very tight to him throughout the game. If we can keep Suarez quiet, we’ll have a much easier game.
Steven Gerrard – despite his age, he is still the main playmaker of their midfield. It is important that Arteta and the other CM stick with him and block him off. Once he starts picking the passes we could be in for a difficult match.
Referee
Howard Webb takes charge of the game on Sunday however his beloved United aren’t playing so don’t expect anything too controversial.
Possible line ups
Arsenal – Szczesny, Jenkinson, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Arteta, Coquelin, Santi Cazorla, Walcott, Giroud, Podolski
Liverpool – Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique, Allen, Shelvey, Gerrard, Borini, Suarez, Sterling
P.S. The reason I’ve opted for Coquelin is because Diaby was poor against Stoke and I think he will be dropped. Coquelin’s pace and passing will be needed against Liverpool. I’d expect to see Chamberlain/Gervinho come on if we are in need a goal and Diaby for Cazorla we are looking to hold on.
I’ve got a good feeling about this one. COYG!
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