Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Preview and Predictions for Weekend's Top EPL Clash

Saturday sees Arsenal and Liverpool go head-to-head in the Premier League with both sides in search of another big boost to fuel their push toward Champions League football.

Coming off the back of a busy international break, expect to see plenty of hunger and desire on both parts as Arsene Wenger and Brendan Rodgers look to shake off any last-minute cobwebs for the final run-in.

The Gunners will be looking to close in on Manchester City by picking up any points at home, while the Reds really need to plunder the maximum spoils if they want to keep pace with the rest.

So, who will emerge the happiest? Can Olivier Giroud score again? And will the visitors be ready for the clash without Steven Gerrard?

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Repeat of August 2011 highly unlikely

As equally determined as they were this time last year to make their Premier League campaign a success, it's hard to knock Liverpool's heart, energy and determination.

Shirking doubt, they have mounted an impressive, albeit late, challenge on the top four in an admirable bid to secure another sojourn in the upper echelons of European football.

But the Merseysiders have not enjoyed a good record on the road against Arsenal; a trend which looks very much like enduring.

History is against them.

In the past 15 years, they have only recorded one league win on Arsenal's home turf, a 2-0 triumph concocted by Kenny Dalglish back in August of 2011. Luis Suarez and an Aaron Ramsey own goal secured the win.

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In the intervening years, there has been one draw and one victory for Wenger's men at home in the league.

Put it all together and you have an impressive citadel more than capable of repelling Liverpool's attacks.

The only question is, can Arsenal do more than just keep them at bay?

Arsenal's form is a major strength

Although some may point to the fact Arsenal's momentum has been disrupted by the interval for Euro 2016 qualifiers and international friendlies, it's still hard to look past their great form of late which has seen them fall to just one league defeat in their last 10 fixtures.

Liverpool, on the other hand, lost against Manchester United at home before their squad was broken up, so it's hard to tell just how they will be affected by it.

No doubt, they will remain focused on the task at hand, but it could come into play on a psychological level.

Everyone knows the Gunners don't fare too well on the big occasions. This is certainly one of them.

A negative result could see themselves sucked right back into a scrap for fourth, while a win would almost assure them of an exciting conclusion as they look to close the gap on a stubborn Chelsea outfit.

Can they capitalise on their form and banish their characteristic bad luck against the big guns?

Giroud to continue his goalscoring trend

Far from the most prolific marksman in the league, Giroud has been unstoppable for his club in recent weeks.

While he might not be at the top of the charts near the ever-popular Harry Kane and the not-so-popular Diego Costa, he's been just as effective as either one since the beginning of 2015.

In fact, he even managed to bring that goalscoring spree with him when he was on duty with Didier Deschamps' team to face Denmark, grabbing a goal in their 2-0 win at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard.

Level on goals with fellow team-mate Alexis Sanchez, the France international has replaced the Chilean as the club's leading light; a player they now look to as their go-to hero.

As pointed out by Squawka, he ought to start this weekend's clash of the titans.

After all, his recent record speaks confidently for itself.

Return of Sturridge and Lallana will give 'Pool boost

With the club battling hard to maintain their status as a Champions League club, there is big pressure on the Merseysiders to perform.

And, as insisted by ESPN's David Usher, Raheem Sterling hasn't helped himself or the club with his latest slip-up during the week, featuring in an unauthorised interview with the BBC regarding his contract dispute with the Reds.  

"He really has done himself no favours with this," Usher commented. "Simply telling people 'it's not about the money' is not going to make [the fans] believe it's not about the money. It just makes you look ridiculous.

"He has certainly heaped even more unnecessary pressure onto himself." 

Nevertheless, with James Carroll of the club's official site confirming Rodgers is hopeful of seeing Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana return in time to feature against their fellow top-four challengers, they have received a timely boost.

They clearly need the attacking threat.

Reflecting back on their 2-1 loss to Manchester United a number of days ago, it was Sturridge who scored the goal. And what a finish it was from such a tight angle, too.

Conclusion

This will be an absolute corker of a game between two quality sides, make no mistake about it.

Arsenal are certainly the marginal favourites, but Liverpool have qualities that make them a real matchday menace.

Arsenal will always be doubted by the masses for their continued slip-ups when it matters, and it is certainly something that could hinder their progress at home.

Everything considered then, this one should end in a draw, but expect to see plenty of drama on show, lots of talking points to discuss and as much flair as you can imagine as two sides desperate to prove themselves lock horns once again.

A final score prediction of 2-2.