Liverpool-Arsenal: Let the Battle Commence!

Similarly if given space and time, Alonso’s passing ability and Steven Gerrard's running could create openings for Liverpool. If Arsenal can stop this they could find Liverpool out.

In attack, I think Arsenal need to worry. Adebayor appears to have stopped scoring and Robin Van Persie is only just coming back to full fitness. Both of these players will need to be on scoring form for Arsenal to win.

If Fernando Torres plays well, the chances are he will score in the tie. If he doesn’t, or if Arsenal keep him on a tight leash, Liverpool will need big big performances form Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel.

I’m unsure of Kuyt's ability to come up with big goals, but I’ve had a feeling for a while that Ryan Babel has been looking for a stage to explode on. Could this be the one?

If Torres is kept quiet, and Liverpool can stop Arsenal from playing, two things which are a huge possibility, this game could come down to plan B’s.

In my opinion Arsenal don’t have one, they seem unable to play a British style of game and struggle when teams get amongst them in defence. If Mascherano can stop Fabregas I very much expect Jamie Carragher and Martin Skertl to cope with anything being played long into the box.

Liverpool could have the edge with Peter Crouch. For Arsenal to adapt from coping with Torres to the aerial presence of Crouch will be difficult for them.

This game will be tight and an away goal may prove crucial. Liverpool having the second leg at Anfield is a huge boost for them. Their fans except them to beat anybody at home in Europe and the players seem to acknowledge this with their performances.

Liverpool have the experience in this sort of occasion and I also feel they are a team currently built for success in Europe. The way their 4-2-3-1 attacking formation easily changes into a 4-5-1 defensive unit makes them extremely difficult to play against in Europe. If Liverpool can force the game to be played in this way they will win.

If Arsenal play the game they play week in week out, especially the way they played in the first half of the season, they could win.

This tie could go on to be a classic and an excellent advertisement for the Premiership. Its extremely hard to choose a winner, but I think Liverpool’s experience combined with the second leg being at Anfield may give them the edge.

But only just.

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