Arsenal v Liverpool: The Gunners Strike Back in Part 2 of this Epic Trilogy?
This will be the second of 3 clashes between these sides in the space of just 7 days. The two teams drew 1-1 in the Champions League Quarter-final 1st leg at the Emirates on Wednesday night but this Saturday’s encounter may not be of as much importance to Liverpool at least. The Reds only chance of silverware this season is winning in Europe and despite a battle with Merseyside rivals Everton for the 4th Premier League spot, the current 5 point gap should be enough. Therefore Premier 10 players shouldn’t be surprised in Rafa Benitez decides to do a spot of rotation ahead of the 2nd leg at Anfield.
Reds Eight coming to the Red Side of North London
Arsene Wenger’s young guns have an excellent recent home League record against Liverpool. They’ve won the last 4 League encounters at both Highbury and the Emirates and haven’t been beaten by the Reds at home for 8 years (5 wins & 2 draws). Liverpool’s last success on the red side of North London was in February 2000 when Gerard Houllier was manager and Titi Camara scored in a 1-0 win. Oasis were number 1 in the charts with ‘Go let it out’ and current Reds top scorer Fernando Torres was just 15-years-old. Rafa has yet to win away at Arsenal in his time in charge of Liverpool and I would not expect that run to end this weekend.
No Side has Stopped the Young Guns Scoring at the Emirates
There’s no doubting that Arsenal’s title challenge has gone off the rails in recent weeks as they’ve picked up a mere 7 points from the last 18 available to leave them trailing League leaders United by six points. Their incredible comeback win at Bolton last weekend ended a run of 5 League games without a victory (4 draws & 1 defeat). However, with few games left to play it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Wenger’s side can gun down United as they seem to have run out of steam at the final hurdle. Despite remaining unbeaten at the Emirates this season, draws against Birmingham, Villa and Boro in their last 4 games have left the Gunners with a mountain to climb if they’re going to bring home the Premier League trophy after a 4-year absence. Only Chelsea can match the Gunners unbeaten home record this season but both have picked up less home points than leaders United. Despite their stuttering form at the Emirates in recent weeks they’ve still scored in all 24 home matches (in all comps) this season so expect them to score at least 1 goal against whatever Reds side Rafa puts out.
Reds on Form but Fernando is a Homeboy
Liverpool are in top form at the moment after winning 8 of their last 10 matches in all competitions (1 defeat). They’ve kept 7 clean-sheets in the last 13 matches and have scored in 10 of the last 11 games including 20 goals in the last 10 matches. Fernando Torres has scored 10 goals in his last 9 games alone. However, the long-haired Spaniard’s scoring record hasn’t been anywhere near as impressive away from Anfield. He has scored just 2 of his 21 League goals on the road this season against weak sides in the shape of Derby and Boro. Therefore, don’t expect too much from him here, if he’s even included that is.
Liverpool Chances Increase Now Henry has Departed
The Gunners may be misfiring but this is a must win match for them if they’ve any chance of catching United so back them to pick up a customary home win over the Reds. I would expect Liverpool to ring the changes as they focus on the Champions League 2nd leg next Tuesday. Arsenal may have a superb recent home record over the Reds but they can’t call on the services of former talisman Thierry Henry anymore. This may give Rafa’s side a fighting chance as the Frenchman was the bane of Liverpool on countless occasions including scoring 7 goals in the Reds last 6 League trips to North London. Expect a low scoring game of attrition but the Gunners to triumph to keep their Premier League dreams alive whilst Liverpool focus on next week and Europe.
Pundit’s Pick: Gunners grab points as Liverpool look forward to the 2nd leg (home win) Do you agree with this result for your Premier 10 prediction? Play Now>>
Tags: Arsenal, Gunners, Liverpool, Premier 10, Premier League preview, reds
