Arsenal v Liverpool: The Red Juggernaut comes to town

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With league leaders on FA Cup duty this weekend, Arsenal have the opportunity of closing the gap at the top of the league to four points. That task won’t be easy considering the opposition at the Emirates; Liverpool. The Reds have notched up victories over the top five teams on the league standings besides Arsenal.

This is the 100th time both teams will face each other on Arsenal’s home turf in all competitions. The Gunners edge their encounters in London with 43 win, Liverpool have secured 24 wins while 32 games have ended in draws. The reverse fixture at the start of the season ended in a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Last season’s corresponding fixture saw Arsenal beat Liverpool 1-0, thanks to a 72nd minute Abou Diaby goal in February 2010. The Gunners actually did the double over the Merseyside team, beating Liverpool 2-1 at Anfield in December 2009.

It is just over 11 years since Liverpool’s last league win on Arsenal’s home turf and that was at the Gunners old ground, Highbury, in February 2000. Liverpool, under the tutelage of Gerard Houllier, secured maximum points with an 18th minute Titi Camara goal. It has been tough for the Reds on subsequent visits to Highbury and now the Emirates. Both teams have not been involved in a scoreless game since a 0-0 draw at Highbury in January 1999, so be assured that there will be goals in this fixture.

While Arsenal are trying to close the gap on league leaders, Manchester United, the Reds are chasing a place in Europe and points dropped by both teams at this stage of the season could prove costly. Both teams put three goals past their respective opponents last week; Arsenal were 3-1 victors at Blackpool while Liverpool put three un-replied goals past Manchester City. On current for, the Gunners are unbeaten in their last six league games; winning three and drawn three. Liverpool on the other hand have won three, drawn one and lost two games of their last six.

Men to Watch

Robin Van Persie, the Dutchman has been amongst the goals lately. With 20 goals-in his last 21 starts for Arsenal, it will be difficult to ignore the Dutchman and the Liverpool backline will definitely have to be on their toes to checkmate Van Persie’s moves.

Jack Wilshere have been touted as a future England captain by Fabio Capello and the youngster has justified his inclusion in the Gunners team lately. His ball distribution is excellent and marking is also impressive. I expect young Jack to boss the midfield with his virtuoso performance.

He has gone off the boil lately but ignore Samir Nasri at your peril. The diminutive Frenchman is a threat around the box and his trickery will be difficult for Liverpool’s defence to handle.

Captain Jack?

I consider Dirk Kuyt as the most dangerous of Liverpool’s front men. A driving force in the absence of the mercurial Steven Gerrard, Kuyt is a tricky customer with an eye for goal and if left unmarked will make Arsenal pay dearly.

Luis Suarez was instrumental in the demolition of Manchester United and Chelsea respectively. It won’t be beyond the Uruguayan striker to be a key figure in this game. Quick thinking with a deft touch, Suarez can wreck havoc on Arsenal’s defence.

Andy Carroll has come good for Liverpool despite his recovery from an injury lay-off. His sheer size and power will give Arsenal’s central defensive pair a torrid time. Good with both feet and also effective with his head, Carroll will be the target of crosses and long balls into the Arsenal box.

My Match Prediction

This is a game both sides can ill-afford to lose. Arsenal need all three points to keep pace with Manchester United while Liverpool’s late rally to secure European football next season is at stake. Given Liverpool’s attacking prowess and Arsenal’s defensive frailties, I envisage goals in this game. But given Liverpool’s recent poor record against Arsenal in the league, I don’t see the Reds winning this one. The Gunners can score goals but questions about their backline has been raised all season. Can Arsenal shut Liverpool out?

I will go for a 2-2 draw.