PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS
For the first time in a long time, I've got a negative outlook on this fixture.
The Emirates Stadium has long been a place where Liverpool F.C. have found trouble; last season's match saw England stalwart Jamie Carragher go off with a suspected concussion. But this season, Liverpool have bolstered their squad with solid signings in the last two transfer windows, including former Blackpool captain Charlie Adam, Uruguayan striker Luis Alberto Suarez and England international Andy Carroll. Arsenal's transfer signings, outside of Ivorian winger Gervinho, have mainly been youth-oriented investments in the form of Finnish defender Carl Jenkinson, eighteen-year-old winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Costa Rican forward Joel Campbell.
Obviously, the probable sale of wantaway midfieldman Samir Nasri and the end of the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga have dominated the headlines, but Arsenal's injury problems are a talking point for this match. Wingback Kieran Gibbs and centre-half Johan Djourou will not play, nor will midfielder Tomas Rosicky. Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby are also out with injuries, while Alexandre Song and Gervinho are unavailable through suspension. On a positive note, Japanese winger Ryo Miyaichi is in the squad after being granted a work permit, and Emmanuel Frimpong will probably cover for Song in defensive midfield. Welsh midfielder Aaron Ramsey will likely retain his place in central midfield, probably partnered with Andrei Arshavin.
On the other side of the ball, Liverpool will seek to create havoc both on the ground (via Suarez and Dirk Kuyt) and in the air (Carroll). Newcomers Stewart Downing and Adam will cause havoc for the Gunners, and the Reds' back four should have a relatively quiet day unless Theo Walcott, et al, can create chances up front.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
ARSENAL--Aaron Ramsey: fully recovered from his devastating leg injury, Ramsey will likely have to emulate Jack Wilshere in his midfield play on Saturday. How he handles the role will probably determined his long-term spot in the Gunners' starting XI.
LIVERPOOL--Luis Alberto Suarez: Barring his penalty miss, Suarez had a very good game against Sunderland last week, and he should be able to cause problems for Arsenal's shaky back four all match long.
Prediction: Liverpool will score at least once in the first half, and then hit for a second near the midpoint of the second. Arsenal will get their goal toward the end, before Liverpool cuts them down with a final, decisive score. Liverpool 3, Arsenal 1
No comments:
Post a Comment