Liverpool travel to Arsenal buoyed by their recent victory over Manchester City winning 3-0 at home with Andy Carrol netting his first two goals for Liverpool in that game. Arsenal too, will be happy coming into this game having beaten Blackpool 3-1 at Bloomfield Road last weekend. Wenger recently applauded a dressing room bust-up between Robin Van Persie and Diaby. Odd, but at this stage of Arsenal's campaign, they only have the League to fight for with seven games remaining. Any demoralizing words will all but surely end their hopes of silverwear this year. They've had bad luck enough losing the Carling Cup the way they did against Birmingham in February.
Liverpool have somewhat written themselves off as challengers in major competitions this year and look set to miss out on a Europa League spot with some five points adrift of Spurs in fifth place. But they'll want to give themselves every chance of getting into Europe too which means that they will fight at the Emirates tonight.
Arsenal can push for the League title and their Champions League spot next year look all but settled as they are comfortably within the league positional requirements for automatic qualification. But finishing second over a pressuring Chelsea in third means more money for the Gunners. They'll want to keep that place in check and push United all the way - who sit pretty on top of the table, with a seven point difference.
Both teams will have a go for it and push the teams currently lying in front of them. So I hope this game produces some end to end stuff like its done before in the past. Who can forget that 4-4 draw at Anfield with Arshavin scoring all four for the Gunners that night! Neutrals will want the same kind of action while the supporters just want the points in the bag.
My Preferred Line Ups for tonight's game.
ARSENAL ( 4-5-1 )
LEHMANN
SAGNA GALLAS KOSCIELNY CLICHY
SONG
WALCOTT NASRI WILSHERE ARSHAVIN
VAN PERSIE
Although it might look like a defensive formation, there's plenty of attack in this squad to rip apart any team when Arsenal have their day. They've also got Fabregas. But he doesn't look as if he's up for it. Its better if he sits this one out. Arsenal will have to get used to not seeing him around when this season ends. Wilshere and Nasri can find a pass and score themselves. RVP looks like he's in good nick. Arsenal are favourites to win this game for me.
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LIVERPOOL ( 4-4-2 )
REINA
JOHNSON CARAGHER KYRGIAKOS SKRTEL
KUYT MEREILES LUCAS JOE COLE
ANDY CARROL SUAREZ
Liverpool have found good rhythm in the middle of the pitch but they're just getting started. They haven't fared well away from home this season and whatever little for they've acquired so far, is too late now but they will believe that they can get something from this game. Gerrard's season is over and is all the more reason why I find Liverpool struggling in this game.
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