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Urakanine
.jpg) Joined: 15 September 2008
Location: London
Gender: Male
Total Posts: 317 | | |
As the dust settles on yet another disappointing display, Arsenal fans lose heart again. 3 months ago it was nearly the same story, after we were done and dusted by Chelsea 3-0. Now 9 points off the leaders Chelsea, some say it is over, others say it isn't.
I don't know for sure, but what I do know is Chelsea and Man United will drop points. You can be sure of that. So meanwhile, we have to make use of our easy fixture list to get some points on the board.
Liverpool won the Merseyside Derby (3 shots on target between the sides. Kuyt scores header. You do the maths) in typical odd style, but the price they had to pay was a large one, as Kyriakos was sent off, so Liverpool will have to do with Agger (doubtful) and Carragher (problematic) in defence.
Previous meeting : Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
(Kuyt, Johnson O.G., Arshavin)
Team news:
Usual few out for Arsenal, but Eduardo might make his return (I want to see Bendtner play, actually).
Liverpool will be without Torres, Benayoun and Johnson. Daniel Agger will probably make the bench and Skrtel might make it for this match.
Arshavin-Bendtner(PLEASE?)-Nasri (Rosicky)
Fabregas-Diaby
Song
Clichy-Gallas-Vermaelen(Campbell)-Sagna
Almunia
Kuyt-N'gog
Riera-Mascherano (Lucas)-Gerrard-Maxi (Aquilani)
Insua-Skrtel-Agger(Martin)-Carragher
Reina
Players to watch:
Andrey Arshavin for Arsenal
I don't really have to say why. 5 goals against Liverpool in his last two games, including the winner at Anfield, should prove my point.
Steven Gerrard for Liverpool
With two key players in Torres and Benayoun out, Gerrard must rise to the occasion and try to nick something for Liverpool.
Key battles:
Mascherano-Aquilani vs. Fabregas - Diaby
There's nothing more than the complete brutality of Mascherano. Then there is the humongous strength of Abou Diaby, the vision and ability for Fabregas and the general passing game of Aquilani. It will be highly interesting to see how Diaby deals with Mascherano, and if Fabregas can defeat his Italian opponent, Aquilani.
Gerrard vs. Song
Gerrard may have been playing poorly, but he normally does well on occasions like these. Alex Song will need to step it up another gear, as we know he can, to stop the talismanic English midfielder. It's a tough task, but if anyone can do it, it must be Song.
Arshavin vs. Carragher
Old? Yes. Rusty? Maybe. Jamie Carragher has been the picture of a tired man, and he will need to be on his toes against the Russian. Arshavin has been rather poor of late, failing to finish some of those chances he had, so it's a story of two men who have been not been playing their best football.
David N'gog - Kuyt vs. Gallas - Vermaelen
The general running and playing of Kuyt will certainly be a problem here, but I'm sure we can handle it. What I'm more worried of is the untested quality of N'gog. I have no clue how good / bad he is, but whatever the case, Gallas needs to keep him away from the ball.
Bendtner - Nasri vs. Agger - Insua
Bendtner will fondly remember his winner against Liverpool, and here he is against his national teammate Daniel Agger. Although some might argue Bendtner will go with the weaker Danny Martin, it is more likely that Agger forces him into an aerial battle. Nasri and Insua will be rather interesting, for they are very similar players. Nasri has been one of the consistent performers in this horrible period, and he needs to win this battle here.
Prediction
Liverpool fans argue Arsenal are in a slump, but we were when we took all three points at Anfield. No Torres, no Benayoun or any natural Right-back, I can see us taking the points here albeit comfortably - but ONLY if Bendtner and Diaby start.
Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool
Punter's tip: You can get 3-0 at 16-1 (high payout), or Rosicky first goal at 10-1.
I believe in them, so let's get the result. Come on you gunners! |
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