Arsenal are a better side than they’ve shown so far this season, as and when this set of players click, they’ll be a very decent team.
Liverpool looked excellent for long periods against Manchester City last week, and essentially denied themselves three points through their own defensive sloppiness. Roberto Mancini’s side did nothing at all to warrant a point in that game.
Lucas Leiva is out until Christmas, so expect Nuri Sahin to be given his debut alongside Joe Allen. After Raheem Sterling’s impressive performance last week, he’ll start again as part of Brendan Rodgers’ front three. In light of the pace Arsenal have in wide areas, Glen Johnson will probably revert back to the right-hand side of defence, with Jose Enrique coming back into the team – Martin Kelly will drop to the bench.
Arsene Wenger has a choice to make between Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, one that the latter probably edges given the events on the last seven days. Lukas Podolski looks far more comfortable as a wide forward, so Olivier Giroud should lead the line – with Santi Cazorla being given the freedom to roam and create behind the front three.
This is an even game, both in terms of personnel and styles of play. We know that Brendan Rodgers favours a pass heavy style, as – obviously – does Arsene Wenger. If Arsenal can gain some attacking momentum here, and build a presence in Liverpool’s half, then the new forward line might finally show its teeth. Conversely, if they’re starved of possession for long-periods, then be prepared to find out quite how good the visiting defence really is – they’ve dealt with Stoke and Sunderland, but Luis Suarez and friends will provide a completely different sort of test.
Raheem Sterling against Carl Jenkinson could be a key battle. The Liverpool youngster will rotate flanks with Fabio Borini as the game develops, and subduing the winger is a big ask for Jenkinson – that’s a clear weakness in the visiting defence. Likewise, Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger have been far from secure so far this season, so it’s brave man that backs a Liverpool clean-sheet.
Both sides look vulnerable to the attack of their opponents, and there are goals in this game – 1-1, 2-2, something like that. More than anything else, this will be an entertaining fixture: both sides intent on playing attractive football, both incapable of cancelling each other out.
Liverpool are at evens, the draw is priced at 23/10, and the Arsenal win is available at 11/4.
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