Liverpool vs. Arsenal: Gunners Visit Anfield Without Andrey Arshavin

Memories of Arsenal visiting Anfield are somewhat sweeter than Arsenal’s visits to Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and some other Premier League grounds.

Neil Mellor’s late winner a few seasons back broke Arsenal hearts as a draw was within grasp, while Cesc Fabregas’ equalizer late in the 2007-08 campaign showed that Arsenal meant business, until William Gallas’ shenanigans, coupled with those stinging draws in succession, ended it all.

The 2008-09 season brought fresh optimism, but the major highlights of yet another trophy-less campaign was Arsenal’s impregnable home form in the Champions League and the arrival of Andrey Arshavin in the winter transfer window.

Arshavin made history in Anfield as he smashed four goals past Pepe Reina. He was the scourge of Anfield yet again in the next season when he scored in the 2-1 win.

Last season, Arsenal began its Premier League adventure in Anfield, but a late own goal by Reina thanks to some pressure from Marouane Chamakh was enough to salvage a draw for the Gunners. It was worth noting that the Gunners had not lost in their last eight meetings with the Reds until  the disappointing 2-0 defeat suffered in August.

Arshavin presently plies his trade with Zenit St. Petersburg, but Arsene Wenger has hinted that his Arsenal career isn’t over yet:

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First of all, things have not ended because he is still our player, he is only out on loan.I just felt he needed to play. When you are 30 and you do not play regularly, you drop your form and when you come on every time you have to produce something special.

“At that age it is very difficult. I felt he just needed a bit of confidence to play again.”

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I can’t deny that I’m in the League of the Gooners that have wielded forks and lighted torches for Arshavin’s head on a plate, but sending him out on loan at a time when no replacement could be brought was a wrong piece of judgment by the boss. Arsenal’s injury record should have sent a clear message to Wenger that Arshavin still can contribute to the team’s cause between now and May.

The Gunners already are without the likes of Jack Wilshere (ankle), Per Mertesacker (ankle), Francis Coquelin (hammy), Johan Djourou (thigh), Aaron Ramsey (ankle) and Seb Squillaci (everything). The club is also sweating over the fitness of Thomas Vermaelen (ankle), Tomas Rosicky (back) and, most importantly, Robin van Persie (groin).

Arsene Wenger never has been a fan of international friendlies and the fact that Vermaelen played 90 minutes for Belgium hasn’t gone down well with the Frenchman. The Guardian also is reporting that Wenger could go as far as laying a complaint over the issue.

Liverpool are on an unbeaten streak at home stretching to 12 games and have conceded a meager eight goals in the process. It's noteworthy that only four wins have emerged from these 12 games. Kenny Dalgish’s side has scored 14 goals in the process. But despite these stats, only Manchester City can boast of a better home record.

Luis Suarez is back in action and on his day, he can be a handful. They have a tight defensive unit in the form of Martin Skrtel and Danny Agger, and their midfield has a lot of hard workers. They are fresh from their Carling Cup victory, so their spirits are going to be very high.

They are currently seven points behind Arsenal and they’re also seventh on the log, so a defeat to their North London counterparts would signal the end of any hope for a Champions League spot. This would be regarded as a “must win” for both teams. So it promises to be a feisty encounter.

A defeat will be detrimental to Arsenal as their closest rivals for the final Champions League berth, Chelsea,  will be in action against West Brom. It's a tie that seems winnable on paper, to say the least. West Brom is currently riding high with my compatriot Peter Odemwingie smashing in the goals. I hope that they’ll be able to compound to Andre Villas-Boa Constrictor’s woes.

I’ve also learned from this article that AVB has the worst win rate of any Chelsea manager in the last 15 years. Guus Hiddink still tops the list following his short stint in 2009 (73 percent), followed by Jose Mourinho (68 percent) and Avram Grant (67 percent).

Andre Villas-Boa Constrictor’s win rate stands at 49 percent. I hope Wily ol’ Woy Hodgson helps Arsenal’s cause.

To team news, I expect Wojciech Szczesny to continue in goal. Bacary Sagna is fully fit. There have been doubts over Kieran Gibbs, but they’ll man the full-back positions. Injuries have Arsenal’s center backs to the bare minimum. Thomas Vermaelen, Laurent Koscielny and Ignasi Miquel are the only fit center backs left in the club. I believe that Wenger will opt for the first two.

In midfield, Alex Song should pair up with Mikel Arteta in the holding roles, while Tomas Rosicky will face a late fitness test to make the starting lineup. Yossi Benayoun and Theo Walcott were largely impressive in Arsenal’s last game against the old enemy, so I expect them to retain their places. Benayoun would relish the chance to inflict damage on his former team. Robin van Persie would lead the line.

For those that don’t know, Wenger won the Premier League February Manager of the Month award, but he’s in shock of winning the award following the recent bad blood between him and planet Earth following the quick-fire exits of two winnable competitions.

Enjoy the game wherever you are.