Liverpool travel to The Emirates this weekend to take on Arsenal. Both sides come into the match having dropped points over the last few weeks. That being said, Liverpool's main problems this season have been at home against so-called lesser opposition.
Liverpool's away form is second only to Chelsea's, with only one draw and one loss from eight away fixtures, including a win at Chelsea. Indeed, Liverpool supporters will be hoping that Liverpool can show the same resolve they showed at Stamford Bridge at The Emirates, as they will need to be at their absolute best to get anything out of this game, especially with Fernando Torres out injured.
Arsenal's problems have also mostly been against physically imposing lower table opponents, rather than against the top teams. In fact, both Arsenal and Liverpool have won both of their top four matchups thus far—and at least one of these records will come to an end on Sunday.
Historically, Arsenal have gotten the best of Liverpool in the league. And unlike matches against Chelsea and Manchester United in which Liverpool could consider the result unfair, it is often the case that Arsenal make Liverpool look distinctly average and second-rate. It is for this reason that Liverpool's players must be at their error-free best, particularly their defense.
Another factor Arsenal have going for them is the presence of Adebayor and Robin van Persie. Van Persie is often missing due to injury and his availability changes the shape of the danger Arsenal have up front considerably. He is exactly the type of player that Liverpool defenders tend to deal with. On a positive note for Liverpool, Arsenal are missing Nasri and Walcott in addition to long-term absentees Rosicky and Eduardo.
On Liverpool's side of things, Rafael Benitez is likely to opt for a defensively sound formation. This almost guarantees Dirk Kuyt and Albert Riera being deployed on the two wings. Other guaranteed starters include Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Carragher, Agger, Arbeloa, Reina and Dossena. The question is whether or not Keane will make a return to the starting lineup. I would suspect so, but his omissions from the last two games raise doubts about his place in Benitez' plans.
In order for Liverpool to win or get a draw from this fixture, they will need Dossena to improve and have a solid game. He does not need to perform miracles, merely refrain from making any blunders that lead to goals. I personally do not subscribe to the view that Dossena is a bad player and that he is just lacking confidence, but he is most certainly playing like one.
Key players for Arsenal: Robin van Persie, Emmanuel Adebayor
Key players for Liverpool: Gerrard, Dossena
Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
- Oliver Dziggel
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