Arsene Wenger marches his men up to the red side of Merseyside, where Arsenal face a Liverpool side in fragile form. The hostile atmosphere of Anfield is daunting for any player, and Arsenal have frightening memories of last season’s mauling. In the gap between last season and this, Liverpool have sold their star talisman in Luis Suarez, however Arsenal have acquired theirs this summer in Chilean Alexis Sanchez. The test at Anfield is like no other, and the Arsenal players must relish it.
Both Liverpool and Arsenal enter this game with differing form. The Reds got humiliated away at Old Trafford, when Man Utd despatched them by a 3-0 score line in the leauge. Manchester United keeper De Gea, was awarded Man Of The match for keeping Sterling and co from putting goals into his net. Liverpool however, left their shooting boots at home and their temperamental form disguises their potential. A midweek trip to Bournemouth in the League Cup, papered over some cracks after Liverpool comfortably beat them 3-1.
Arsenal have hit a change of events in recent games. Only a couple of weeks ago, Arsenal were stunned by Stoke City as the club were hit by a huge sucker punch. However, Arsenal are on the verge of turning their season around with the game against Liverpool crucial to any sort of Champions League qualification ambition. Recent straightforward wins against Galatasary and Newcastle, has settled the crowd and eased the pressure on Arsene Wenger. Arsenal need an away win, furthermore a win at Anfield will certainly add momentum entering the harsh, winter fixtures.
Brendan Rodgers and Arsene Wenger go head to head once again. The two come into the game in contrasting pressures, after several results haven’t gone in Rodgers’ way. Liverpool’s return to Champions League football, ended in a sour defeat to Basel which forced Liverpool into Europa League. Then, Rodgers’ Liverpool men were choked to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Van Gaal’s Manchester United. Arsene Wenger has cruised his side to 4-1 wins over Galatasary and Newcastle respectively.
Liverpool are currently sat in 13th place in the form guide, scraping only 7 points in the last six games. Arsenal, positioned only five places above Liverpool, have claimed 9 points in the past six games. However, I expect the form table to count no meaning, when these two teams meet. Although, it depends how Liverpool respond in the league after the United game, when Arsenal visit town.
The Danger Men
From last seasons title surge, Liverpool’s ruthless ‘SAS’, otherwise known as Suarez, Sturridge and Sterling were sensational to watch. Liverpool ditched influential forward Suarez to Barcelona after his World Cup biting incident. They pocketed £65 million and are now left with Sturridge and Sterling, who are arguably very good players. However, Sturridge is out until the new year. Liverpool do have Sterling available, who has most certainly been Liverpool’s best player so far this season. The Englishman has netted 3 goals this season, but he netted 2 goals in this fixture last season.
Arsenal are currently paying the consequences of not recruiting suitably. The defensive side of the team have suffered substantially as a result. Arsenal do welcome back Calum Chambers from his suspension which is a boost. However, Arsenal’s attacking force is the main focal point. Arsenal’s leading scorer Alexis Sanchez, has been in lethal form this season. With 9 league goals to his name, Sanchez has undoubtedly been an utter sensation. A big game like this is tailored made for a character like Sanchez, proven at Barcelona that he can perform big (El Clasico). We’re just waiting for him to really reveal himself against the English big boys.
Liverpool surely regret not signing a marquee player like Sanchez when they let him slip to Arsenal in the summer. The lack of signings wasn’t the problem for Liverpool; but the lack of quality is remarkable. Arsenal must capitalise on mediocrity aspects of their team, as they are nowhere near the unstoppable force they were last. Arsenal must however, consolidate defensively then build on that further into the game. Liverpool’s Sterling, Coutinho and Lallana are all individually brilliant, and when they collaborate (as shown against Bournemouth), they come alive. Super Sunday awaits a thrilling fixture, for one myself, am looking forward to.