Liverpool-Arsenal: The Series, Part Two

Over the course of seven days, Arsenal and Liverpool will face-off three times:

Wednesday at the Emirates for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Saturday again at the Emirates for an important Premier League match, and finally Tuesday at Anfield for the quarter-final second leg.

In Liverpool-Arsenal: The Series, Pt. 1, we examined what interesting aspects of these clubs that this series might reveal.

This article will look at factors that might affect the outcome of these three matches.

The Experience of the Squads

Both of these squads carry the strength of recently reaching the Champions League Final.

Ten of Liverpool's starters from last years Champions League Final squad are playing with the club this year, and eight played in the 2005 European victory in Istanbul. Six of Arsenal's starters remain from their 2006 Champions League final loss to Barca.

Those players from both squads who were there for their team's loss in the Finals will have a good perspective as the tournament enters the quarters.

Arsenal is a younger squad. This series will prove to be a stressful one for the players, especially if the first two matches split or are draws.

Obviously, Arsenal is seasoned in Europe. They proved that at San Siro. But the issue here is whether Liverpool's experience will prove to be an advantage in light of Arsenal's youth.

The Leadership of the Captains

Aside from their recent slump, Arsenal have faired quite nicely this season at home and abroad under first-year skipper William Gallas.

But bear in mind that Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has lifted both the FA Cup and CL Cup, winning them both by leading his team to come from behind victories.

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