EPL Match Day 32: Arsenal v Liverpool; Match Preview

Well its been quite a week for the Arsenal hasn’t it. We saw our club taken over (albeit warmly) by Stan Kroenke and immediately after that Danny Fiszman, the driving force for the move to Emirates succumbed to his battle against cancer. Maybe its only fitting that the week end with a match that has so much potential.

While beating the lower tier teams is a must, playing against a good club is always a treat. And sure Liverpool have had their issues but since the return of Kenny Dalglish there is a sense of pride once more at Anfield. Which means even though I like our chances this will not be an easy match. Both squads have something to fight for. Liverpool have more than a solid chance of returning to the top four considering the form of City and Spurs. Arsenal, well the Gunners they still – technically – have the league to fight for.

And frankly that is whythis is not a match that fills me with an abundance of confidence. This is one of those matches where if we win we can gain ground on United. With the Manchester lads taking out each other over at Wembley, Arsene Wenger’s boys have a chance to move within a manageable 4 points of the leaders, United. And that’s why it makes me nervous. In pretty much every match where we had the opportunity to make up ground this season,  we haven’t. We’ve taken a point mostly but those are not enough.  Whenit comes down to it – as PIres and Paddy have said recently at an average age of 23 – we don’t have the instinct or or mental fortitude to take us one step further.

For this match and to win the title, Arsenal need to be at their rip roaring (ala Chelsea and Barcelona) best. The good news is that except for one player, we have all of our first choice starting XI available for the match. At the time of my writing this entry Sagna is still listed as a doubt for the match. It’s a shame actually because he would do a good job on Meireles.

Returning to the squad and fit enough to start (I believe) are Szczesny, Djourou and Song. Denilson is back too but you all know my view on the Brazillian. If you don’t – take a guess. That gives us a very strong midfield and strength in the middle of the defence. With Sagna out though, Eboue will get the nod on the right. Which is why I am happy Djourou is back – he does such an outstanding job of covering for the fullbacks when there are errors. And let’s not forget we have Lehmann Mark 2 in Szczesny in goal. His confidence and ability are only going to grow and enhance his stature over time. He has shown himself to be aptly able to handle these big matches.

But what I want to see is Arshavin vs Flannagan. This match against Liverpool is a fixture Andrei gets up for. He has done well and his ability to create assists – leads the team with 11 – will make him valuable against a rookie defender. This is the kind of game that Andrei wants to play in. He gets up for it and will be hungry and what better way to feed that than let him go against Flannagan. That being said – if Walcott starts – you would move Nasri on the left and Walcott on the right. Nasri would have just as much a chance of shredding Flannagan one v one as would Arshavin.

Either way as we have discussed our first choice players are good enough to go toe to toe with anyone if they are up for it. I do believe they are. Why you ask? Even if I don’t have confidence you say? Well, it was nice to hear that both Fabregas (on the pitch) and Van Persie (off the pitch) decided to ream Diaby a new one for being an idiot last week against Blackpool. We’ve all discussed how this team needs leaders to stand up and make players accountable. Maybe, finally that is happening. I know its one incident but its about bloody time with this group of players. Its finally nice to hear that at least a few of the players realize what is at stake and they are going to make sure others do too.

For me these next two games will define our season. Sunday Liverpool home and then Wednesday we can lock in St. Totteringham’s day early as we visit White Heart Lane. I would prefer 6 points from the two matches but 4 would suffice. We need ’em all if we want to win the title.

How the Match Should Play Out:
I expect a lot of energy on boths sides for much of the game. It will come down to witch squad can maintain it and maintain some sense of control and not get lost in the drawa of it all. This is why Diaby doesn’t get the nod today. He tends to over react (alot) when things are called against him and we need level headed players on the pitch. All in all it won’t be a scrappy affair as both teams need to score. And open match should be in the offing with Liverpool trying to feed Carroll with crosses in the middle. Arsenal will attack the rear flanks especially the Flannagan/Carragher side. In the end I am picking Arsenal to nip this one. Liverpool are in good form but when matches come up they must win – they haven’t lately.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Andrei Arshavin. I am hoping to see the return of the mercurial Russian who shrouded himself in glory his first trip to Anfield.  Even his cracker goal in his second ever trip to Anfield was legendary. Its time for him to make himself a legend at the Emirates.

Liverpool: Andy Caroll. The £35 million pound forward comes to the Emirates for the first time since his move to Anfield. In his last trip to the Emirates he scored a 45th minute header to seal the deal and shock the Gunners. Let’s hope he doesn’t do that again.

Projected Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:

Arsenal:  Fabianksi (shoulder) Vermaelen (achilles) Almunia (D- knee) Sagna (D – knee)

Liverpool; Gerrard (groin) Agger (knee)  Johnson (hamstring) Kelly (bamstring)

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1
Liverpool: 1

Current Form:
Arsenal: WDDDW
Liverpool: WLWWL

Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 1.9
Liverpool (away):1.0

Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 0.8
Liverpool (away): 1.6

Goal Differential:
Arsenal: 32
Liverpool: 7

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Van Persie 16 (12 league)  Nasri 14 (9 league)

Liverpool Carroll 13 (13 league)* Kuyt 11 (9 league)

*Carroll scored 11 for NUFC

Match Officials:
Referee: Andre Marriner
Assistant Referees: Ron Ganfield & Adam Watts
Fourth Official: Peter Walton

Broadcast Information:
US: FSC 1100 AM EST

UK: Sky Sports 1 1400 BST

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!! www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Liverpool: 1

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