Hey all,
I got into London about a week ago, and due to the packing and etc, I didn't quite have time to write about the last two games against Dortmund and Chelsea.
First of all, It is important to note that the last two fixtures in which we have lost have definitely been the sternest tests to date, and the following month is one that instills a bit of fear to me, and most probably to most Arsenal fans. For the record, we have Liverpool (H), Dortmund (A), Manchester United (A), and Southampton (H). In order to qualify for the next phase of the Champion's League, a win over BVB is crucial, and Wenger will have to be smart with resting his players if we are to progress while simultaneously maintaining a high spot in the league. Despite having lost the games against Dortmund and Chelsea, I feel like the way we are playing as a team is top notch. Individual errors cost us the Chelsea and Dortmund games and as the season progresses and players begin to find a winning mentality, these will be minimised. Which brings us to the game this weekend.
While every game in the EPL is a crucial three points, this one coming up is even more so. Liverpool, like Arsenal have had a relatively easy run until now, and have also had what we could call a dream run, as they try to scamper up the hill, where the current king (Arsenal) resides. At the moment, Liverpool are on par with Chelsea on 20 points, while Arsenal sit just above them on 22 points. This means that the result of this game will determine who sits on the throne as the next matchweek approaches. It is entirely possible that either of the top three teams at the moment will be on top come the end of the weekend.
It's fair to say that this, like many other games, is a MUST WIN game.
Unfortunately for us, Arsenal still have a number of key players still stuck in the injury room with Walcott, Gnabry, Flamini, Poldi, Oxlade and Diaby still out. Liverpool will be missing Enrique and Aspas but will be buoyed by the return of Coutinho.
Given the blossoming Sturridge/Suarez partnership (Oh how I wish we had signed him), who have together scored 14 goals in the league alone, Koscielny and Mertesacker will have to be on their toes. Gibbs and Sagna will also have to put in a hard shift and make sure they track back properly to cover Liverpool's wide players, especially as Suarez enjoys forays down the wings.
The biggest concern for me is the counter attacking threat that Liverpool pose. Arsenal have a real problem of bringing up defenders for corners, and then not being able to run back in time to prevent a goal. It's something that Bouldy and Wenger really have to fix up, because it will ultimately result in us leaking goals in, and possibly losing games.
It'll be good to have Arteta back to provide cover for the defense, although Arsenal will still miss having Flamini's physical and audible presence. Arteta will really have to dig deep and drop back readily, even when we have possession.
I expect Rosicky and Cazorla to start on the wings and hopefully provide some much needed width into our game. Liverpool will probably line up with three centre backs, so it will be important for our wingers to exploit Liverpool's formation.
This game will be won or lost depending on how organised Arsenal are. The slightest error could let Suarez or Sturridge in and finding the back of the net. That said, Arsenal should be able to dominate the midfield battle with Arteta, Ramsey and Ozil in the centre three.
I would like to see Arsenal play an intense pressing game almost like the way that Dortmund played against us. Giroud will have to put in a lot of work to pressure Liverpool's centre backs into making errors.
My line up: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesascker, Koscielny, Gibbs, Rosicky, Arteta, Ramsey, Ozil, Cazorla, Giroud
If it were a lighter game, I would suggest taking Ramsey off for a rest given that he's played almost every game this season, but his tenacity and hard-working attitude will be needed in this game.
Score prediction: 3-2
It will be a tough game, but if Arteta can hold the back four together and Arsenal are organised and dominate possession, I don't see us losing tomorrow's match.
