Liverpool vs. Arsenal: 5 Key Battles to Watch at Anfield

Less than a week after their dramatic Carling Cup victory over Cardiff City, Liverpool are back in Premier League action, hosting Arsenal at Anfield.

On the back of two scintillating results—Liverpool finally got their hands on some morale-boosting silverware, and Arsenal achieved the comeback of all comebacks with a five-goal reversal against archrivals Tottenham—both clubs will come into the clash with confidence in abundance.

While we’re looking forward to the match on Saturday, let’s take a look at five key battles that will make for fascinating viewing at Anfield—and, as usual, feel free to have your say in the comments below.

Martin Skrtel vs. Robin van Persie

Both in-form and both having scored in their last outing, Martin Skrtel and Robin van Persie make for a fantastic encounter on Saturday.

As has been widely recognized, Skrtel’s development this season has cemented his status as one of Liverpool’s first-choice defensive pairing and has ousted Jamie Carragher from the starting lineup.

His tackling, anticipation and aerial ability have improved considerably and have added a goal threat to his ever-burgeoning repertoire.

But how will he perform against one of the league’s premier marksmen?

The amazing feats of Arsenal captain van Persie don’t need repeating, and his pace, trickery, creativity and finishing pose problems for even the best defenders.

Jose Enrique vs. Theo Walcott

After a blistering start to his Anfield career, Jose Enrique has arguably dropped his phenomenal levels somewhat.

On his day, he boasts frightening pace, dribbling ability and physical strength, but he has been caught out on his defensive duties and positioning of late.

Opposite him will be the hit-or-miss Theo Walcott, and the use of this description was fully on display in Arsenal’s victory over Spurs last weekend.

Completely anonymous in the first half, when Arsene Wenger even considered taking him off due to crowd abuse, Walcott came back with an unbelievable show of pace in the second to finish Tottenham off.

Whose day will it be this time?

Steven Gerrard vs. Alex Song

Featuring in midfield are two players on the opposite ends of their respective careers.

Steven Gerrard, the talismanic Liverpool captain, was at his best one of Europe’s premier attacking midfielders who had the complete package.

Now, while his physical levels have dropped and his long-range shooting has been less lethal this season, he still provides a world-class threat from set pieces, crosses and passing.

But he will be up against one of the league’s most promising midfielders in the form of Alex Song.

Trusted with the responsibility in the holding midfield role, Song has the ability to stride up the pitch and provide telling passes and is very much an unsung hero of this Arsenal side.

Stewart Downing vs. Bacary Sagna

On the back of two of his finest performances in a Liverpool shirt, albeit against lower league opposition in Brighton and Cardiff, Stewart Downing will be looking to repay Kenny Dalglish’s faith with another devastating showing on Saturday.

Downing showed the best of what he can offer with pace, trickery and a willingness to run and beat his man at Wembley.

But Bacary Sagna is a whole different proposition altogether.

Strong in the tackle and capable of muscling attackers out, Sagna also goes forward to great effect—he scored the thumping header that led to Arsenal’s miraculous revival last Sunday.

Downing will have his work cut out if he is to repeat his recent domination of the wings.

Andy Carroll vs. Thomas Vermaelen

Andy Carroll and Thomas Vermaelen: Both strong aerial presences in teams that like to keep it on the floor.

Perhaps Carroll was brought to Liverpool precisely to bring this threat. His ability to charge through defences, hold the ball up to set his teammates up and to head on goal means he simply cannot be afforded the space to run onto crosses and set pieces.

And if his finishing was erratic before, he’s come into prominence with some markedly improved performances this calendar year.

By contrast, Vermaelen seems to have declined slightly in the ever-porous Gunners backline.

But Liverpool will write him off at their own peril: This is a defender with a marvelous scoring record, who goes forward like a box-to-box midfielder, and who is capable of game-changing tackles.

Carroll might want to pick his fight against someone else instead.

Other Players to Watch

Thomas Rosicky

Having played arguably his best game in an Arsenal shirt in many a season last weekend, Rosicky seems to finally have hit his pre-injury stride, and his confidence seems to be flowing. He will provide a genuine threat both from the center of the park and from the flanks.

Luis Suarez

When isn’t he a player to watch? Despite a drop in his phenomenally unpredictable playing level, Suarez has scored two goals in his last three appearances, and his trickery might make for an uncomfortable afternoon for the Arsenal defence.

Other Articles of Interest

5 Positions Liverpool Must Get Stronger at Next Season
Thomas Atzenhoffer's 10 Bold Predictions for Liverpool-Arsenal
Karl Matchett's 5 Things Liverpool Must Do to Beat Arsenal

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