Liverpool v Arsenal Preview by AM
Arsenal travel to Anfield in their next match to face Liverpool. The Gunners have have already dropped four points from their opening two matches. Here is a preview for the game they promises to be a exciting affair.
Liverpool injurys and suspensions
The only injury concern for Liverpool at the moment is Lucas. The Brazilian, who just returned from an injury which kept him out nearly whole of last season, is expected miss the action for nearly 2 – 3 months due to his recent thigh injury. Joe Cole will also face a late fitness test, but the Englishman is expected to be fit and available.
Arsenal injury and suspensions
Wojciech Szczesny faces a late fitness test, for his rib injury, before the game. Other than the Polish goalkeeper, Fabianski might also miss the bench due to his mysterious back injury. Rosicky, Sagna, Wilshere and Frimpong continue to feature in the long term injury list. So Arsene Wenger still has as many as six players in the medical room.
Liverpool team news
Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3): Reina; Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique; Gerrard, Allen, Sahin; Suarez, Borini, Sterling
Big boost for Liverpool will be the return of Daniel Agger into the center of the defense after he missed the last game due to suspension. Nuri Sahin, the man Liverpool signed under the nose of Arsenal, is expected to make his full debut in this game. The Liverpool midfield looks quite strong with Sahin, Gerrard and Allen in it. Allen has perhaps been one of the most impressive Liverpool player in the opening few games. Rahem Sterling also had an impressive game against Manchester City and can cause some problems for Arsenal down the wings.
Arsenal team news
Probable Starting Lineup (4-2-1-3): Mannone; Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Jenkinson; Diaby, Arteta, Cazorla; Podolski, Giroud, Walcott
Vito Mannone looks likely to get another start if Szczesny fails in his late fitness test. But the big news for Arsenal would be the return of Koscielny into the starting line-up, although it must be said that Mertesacker and Vermaelen has done a commendable job so far in his absence and defense certainly doesn’t seem to be Arsenal’s problem at the moment. But in all fairness, Liverpool will be stronger test for the Arsenal defense than Stoke and Sunderland.
There will be no changes in the midfield combination of Arteta and Diaby as the double pivot while Cazorla will start just ahead of them. The only change expected is that of Walcott replacing Gervinho. Gervinho was mostly ineffective against Stoke and lacked the cutting age. Walcott, who was recently at the center of a much publicized contract negotiation saga, will have the chance to put those behind him and propel Arsenal up the table. Giroud is expected to start up front once again with Podolski out wide on the left. Giroud and Podolski have a lot to prove in this match after firing blanks in the opening two.
Last 6 meetings
03-03-2012 Liverpool 1 : 2 Arsenal
20-08-2011 Arsenal 0 : 2 Liverpool
17-04-2011 Arsenal 1 : 1 Liverpool
15-08-2010 Liverpool 1 : 1 Arsenal
10-02-2010 Arsenal 1 : 0 Liverpool
13-12-2009 Liverpool 1 : 2 Arsenal
Key Facts
• There have been seven goals scored in the 90th minute or later in the last seven Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal and five in the last four.
• Liverpool have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games against Arsenal (W1 D6 L3).
• Arsenal have failed to score in their opening two Premier League games. The longest they have gone without scoring from the start of the season is 224 minutes (last season).
• The Gunners are unbeaten in their last five Premier League visits to Anfield (W2 D3) and have come from behind in all those games to secure those results.
• Arsenal have won just one of their last seven Premier League matches, but five of the other six games have been draws.
Prediction
Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
This will be a very tight game. Expect Liverpool to be a stronger unit with Agger and Sahin in the team. The misfiring Arsenal forward line will have to break the duck and one can expect the duo of Podolski and Giroud to come good on the day, they are too good as players to continue firing blanks. Liverpool’s home advantage and Arsenal’s need to get something out of this game might just see the game ending even, but there will be plenty of action I am sure.
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