Arsenal vs Liverpool: Preview & Predicted Score

Here are some thoughts from a Liverpool fan on this weekend’s big game as Liverpool travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.

A Full Strength Squad…

Lots of good news in terms of squad news for Liverpool. Kenny Dalglish is only having to make a decision over Glen Johnson (only man doubtful for this encounter), but otherwise it’s pretty much a full squad and a team that is working well together. Gerrard is the only man whom is guarenteed to not be playing come Saturday.

What’s better is that now the Premier League season is off to a flyer, our Liverpool team will have had a full week of training together. Remember, Luis Suarez and Jose Enrique pretty much arrived at Anfield only around two days prior to their game against Sunderland.

…Against a Largely Depleted Squad

I will be quite frank. This Arsenal seem really weak for this fixture. True, they’ve kept two clean sheets in a row against first Newcastle and then Udinese. But still, one factor that could really change the match are the suspensions for this Arsenal team.

Arsenal already have many on the injured list, among the list of players not set to be participating are Wilshere, Djourou, Fabregas (adios), Nasri, Diaby, Gibbs and the suspended players in Gervinho and Alex Song. I think Wenger might just be regretting his decision to loan Denilson out!

I personally think that it’s a pity that this famed Arsenal FC midfield is falling apart, but of course there is Liverpool FC party pooper Andrei Arshavin whom has an incredible record against The Reds. (remember the 4 goals he shot past us a few years back)

It’s Wrong to Underestimate

I’ve already listed some of Arsenal’s problems, but it will be wrong for Liverpool to underestimate this side, they still have players who could really damage us.

The midfield is the weak spot now, with many missing, but Ramsey, Walcott, Van Persie along with Arshavin can really hurt us. Robin Van Persie know how to score goals. It will come as a test to our back 4, whom were a bit shaky in pre-season and Flanagan will more than certainly want to prove himself if he plays following his small error last week, but I’m confident that our side will pull through.

This Arsenal team are also said to now being worked starting from the back and with Koscielny and Vermaelen Arsenal have a sturdy defence. Sczcesny in goal is also looking solid.

Luis Suarez and Charlie Adam

The duo are my players to watch. Suarez was a bit short on pace against Sunderland, but the week gone by should have meant that he’s back to his full fitness.

With Luis Suarez, it is all about pace and dribbling on the ball. Plus, there’s always potential for that shot from anywhere. I think that he should be able to torment Jenkinson (I would think, considering Gibbs is injured) at the Emirates.

Adam is also key to unlocking Arsenal’s defence. From the defensive splitting pass to set someone through on goal, the free kick delivery, to the free kick strike itself, Adam can change the play instantly. He made a great strike last week from distance to test Mignolet, and I think we’re going to see more of that.

What Happened Last Time….

What a match that was. Arsenal FC 1-1 Liverpool FC. Two goals very deep into injury time and an absolutely thrilling (for Liverpool fans at least) ending for Liverpool. Van Persie scored in the 98 minute mark and Kuyt converted from the sport following a rather foolish push by Eboue on Lucas just seconds later.

…..and what will happen this time out

I think it will be a relatively close game, and I’m backing this Liverpool squad to come out tops. I am going for a scoreline of 2-1, Liverpool coming out victors, although Liverpool will concede the first goal.

Submitted by Two Liverpool Fans