Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Players Who Must Step Up for Gunners to Win Hyped Clash

Arsenal heads to Anfield as an underdog in its match against Liverpool. With both teams battling for a spot in the top four and the numerous memorable clashes between the two sides in the past, today's game is shaping up to be one of Premier League's best of the season.

Here are three players who need to shine if the Gunners are going to emerge with all three points.

Laurent Koscielny

A rare constant along Arsenal's back line this season, Koscielny has played a major role in the team's defensive resurgence since an early 8-2 thumping at the hands of Manchester United. He's proven a lot of stability to an otherwise shaky situation.

His job today will be to keep Luis Suarez in check. Despite all of his off-field issues, Suarez continues to perform at a high level on the pitch with six goals in 20 league appearances. He's been in good form lately, with two tallies in his last three starts.

Liverpool doesn't have a ton of other offensive targets, so Arsenal will be in good shape if Koscielny can shut him down.

Theo Walcott

Robin van Persie's status is still dicey with a groin issue. If he's unable to play at a high level, the onus will be on Walcott to generate scoring opportunities for the Gunners. Even if van Persie decides to tough it out for all 90 minutes, it's hard to imagine providing his usual dominance.

Walcott scored twice against Tottenham last weekend, his first such performance of the season.

Arsene Wenger is hoping that momentum will carry over for a match against one of the Premiership's top defenses. Liverpool ranks behind only Manchester City in goals allowed.

The problem with Walcott has always been consistency. His hot and cold streaks are more pronounced than most players. The Gunners are hoping last week was the start of a strong run.

Abou Diaby

Aaron Ramsey remains out, leaving Diaby to fill the void. The midfielder has been featured just once so far this season, making only a minor impact as a substitute against Fulham in November. So an extended showing would be a big ask from Wenger.

That said, he's got good size, which will help him be a threat on set pieces, and has a good feel for the game. It's a challenge for go from being used very little to playing in a huge game, but it gives Diaby a chance to shine in a big way.

If he's able to maintain control in the midfield and avoid any major errors, Arsenal fans will be happy. That's easier said than done, of course.