Match Preview: Arsenal v Liverpool (Carling Cup)

Who's kids are better

This week’s midweek draw sees the Gunners play host to the much maligned Liverpool squad. Each coming off of results diffeent than what most had thought would happen this past weekend. Both looking to set the record straight on all accounts.

Prior to Liverpool’s win against Manchester United, I thought this match up was going to be a little tastier than it is. Had Liverpool lost, I suspected that Rafa would have no other choice but to field a team that was heavier with first team players. As it is, I think the Carling Cup is still the only silverware the Scousers have a real chance to win but given their troubles, when the likes of Torres and Gerrard aren’t in the squad, it may be too much to ask.

Everyone is aware of the troubles Liverpool have had in the league and in the Champion’s league. While this weekend’s win is an outlet for the pressure that has built up for the Merseysiders, the issues haven’t exactly been addressed. The loss of of Xabi Alonso has exposed the lack of play making creativity in the side and Rafa Benietez’s chosen replacement, Alberto Aquilani will only feature as a sub.

There is plenty of history between these two clubs and the Carling Cup. Liverpool and Arsenal have met in the cup competiton a total of 10 times. Throw in replays and they have gone head to head 13 times. Liverpoll are the leaders in wins in this competition having won 7 times and Arsenal have won it 2 times. The last time they met Liverpool were soundly drubbed 6-3 behind the blazing foot of Julio Baptista who scored on four occassions.

Liverpool are stuggling as late and their last away win was the 1-0 cup tie at Leeds United and they are going up against a side that has a 100% record at home this season. Additionally, the last 5 times Liverpool have gone up against a London side in the Carling Cup they have lost. 

Rafa’s side will be without Gerrard or Torres who even though he hit the first goal in the win over United said he felt pain on the shot. Mascherano is out having seen two yellows at Anfield this weekend. However, Alberto Aquilani could figure in as a sub in the 2nd half. He is yet to be fit for a full 90 minutes. Liverpool are brimming with confidence having won against title contenders United and will be looking to extend that to this match.

Arsenal as we all know typically uses the Carling Cup as its blooding for its youngsters and over the years they have been fairly successful having not missed making at least the quaterfinals in recent memory. This Wednesday’s squad though will feature a little more experience as Arsene Wenger looks to give some of his returning first teamers time to get into shape for the league and Europe.

Both Samir Nasri and Lukasz Fabianski will be starting for the first time this season as they return from injuries. Eduardo who was out the last few weeks with a thigh injury will also be back. Throw in Phillipe Senderos and Mikhail Silvestre in the back four and this squad has an unusual amount of experience for an Arsenal Carling Cup Side.

The Gunners are keen to put their last two matches behind them where in each case they firmly controlled the game only to allow their opponents back in it.  They will look to put those missteps behind them and get the squad pointed back in the right direction.

Against West Brom in the last round, Sanchez Watt and Carlos Vela showed exactly why the future is bright for Arsenal.  The youngsters have continued to show their promise in each chance they get and are why many feel that Arsenal could be set for a golden era of football. (But that’s for another time). Aaron Ramsey will get the nod and according to Arsene Wenger the young Welshman is now pushing players for starts on the first team. The only down side right now is that Jack Wilshere will not play in the match as he is out with an ankle knock.

How It Should Play Out:

Maybe I am a homer but I think this Arsenal squad is heavily weighted with first teamers – more so than typical Carling Cup sides. And while the likes of Nasri and Fabianski haven’t seen full match time, Nasri has already shown he can contribute in the reserve match he has played in. Additionally, if Vela and Eduardo start together, they are as deadly a pair as there is in the EPL. Overall I think they are too strong for the side Rafa will put out and that Arsenal will set the tone early at home.

Injuries:

Arsenal: Walcott, Djourou, Denilson, Rosicky

Liverpool: Gerrard, Riera, Kelly

Probable Starting XI:

Arsenal (4-3-3): Fabianski, Senderos, Silvestre, Gilbert, Gibbs, Merida, Coquelin, Ramsey, Nasri, Eduardo, Bendtner

Liverpool(4-4-2): Cavilieri, Degen, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Dossena, Eccleston, Spearing, Plessis, Babel, Voronin, N’Gog

Final Score:

Arsenal: 2
Liverpool: 1