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Let the tabloids tell it, tomorrow’s match is do or die for both Wenger and Rodgers. Both are on the proverbial chopping block and are hanging by a thread. One more bad result could spell the end it for the ill-fated defeated tomorrow. I wouldn’t be so quick to declare as such, but that’s not to downplay the encounter in any regard. Massive match tomorrow for two sides that could use the points for similar but different reasons.
Arsenal’s form has stuttered all season but looks to be at the start of a run of games. Liverpool have been dreadful this season by their standards but are coming off of a big win and have a point to prove. The Reds already have a staggering 7 losses this term and sit 5 points behind Arsenal. They will feel like they cannot afford to lose another.
Arsenal will be looking to keep their top four and faint title hopes alive, and will feel they must win to do so as well, so much is at stake here.
The two back lines are far from formidable, and both sides will be up for it right from the go. Then of course there is the Sanchez and Saurez comparison as well as the transfer tug of war in the summer over the player’s signature that will create yet another sub plot. Not to mention the disaster of Arsenal’s last trip to Anfield and the urge for revenge. The script is all set for a cracking match of football.
Previous Meetings
Feb 16, 2014 Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool (F.A. Cup)
Feb 8, 2014 Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Nov 2, 2013 Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (Premier League)
Jan 30, 2013 Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
Sep 2, 2012 Liverpool 0-2 Arsenal (Premier League)
Injuries
Notable long term injuries for both sides.
Arsenal: Wilshere, Ramsey, Ozil, and Arteta are still longer term injuries and will be out as will Rosicky who returns next week. There is a slight hope that Walcott could make a return. He only just returned to full training, as has Nacho Monreal and David Ospina whom could be available as well. Chambers returns from suspension and adds some cover defensively, while Arsenal will sweat on Chamberlain who has a test this morning.
Liverpool: Sturridge is of course the big one and has been out all season for the Reds, while Dejan Lovren will have a test after injuring his groin in Wednesday’s win over Bournemouth. Joe Allen missed the match but could return, while Balotelli is suspended after his bizarre and offensive instagram post.
Bets
Arsenal are between 7/5 and 8/5 across most book makers while Liverpool sit at 9/5 or 7/4. Fairly even odds (no pun intended).
Prediction
Pretty interesting stats from Opta as usual.
Liverpool have won just two of the last 14 Premier League meetings with Arsenal (W2 D7 L5), while there have been four 90th minute or later goals in the last six Premier League meetings between the two sides. The fixture has also produced the most hat-tricks of any other fixture in League history with five.
Last season’s 5-1 turn over Anfield ended a run of six home games without a win over Arsenal for Liverpool (D3 L3), while Arsenal have trailed in six of the last seven Premier League games against the Reds at Anfield and have come back to win two and draw three out of those six.
Not that these stats have any bearing on my prediction; Arsenal 2-1.
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