Liverpool vs Arsenal: The Most Significant Game for Both Clubs

The Premier League is upon us and it is time for us to be blowing vuvuzelas in support of our respective teams. The opening week has some mouthwatering fixtures, but none seems to be as exciting as the game at Anfield between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Arsenal has had five barren, trophy-less years and they are hungry for success. On the other hand, Liverpool has had one of their worst seasons in the recent past, and will look to establish themselves as strong title contenders. I would like to preview this encounter, bringing out the advantages and disadvantages that both teams have leading to their match on August 15.

Arsenal 

Arsenal completed the double over the Merseysiders last season and will look for a repeat of their performances over Liverpool. They will be quietly confident of producing a quality display against Liverpool on Sunday.

Arsenal has not signed a new goalkeeper, which means that Manuel Almunia or Lukasz "Flapianski" will start the game. That will surely not be soothing for Arsenal fans, but then again, remember that Arsenal won both matches against Liverpool having Almunia between the sticks.

Arsenal's latest signing, Laurent Koscielny, is all set to make his EPL debut for Arsenal at the heart of defence, partnering Thomas Vermaelen. Johan Djourou has a hamstring injury and is a doubt for the fixture. Arsene Wenger will do no worse than to bring some cover in defense.

Arsenal is short as far as midfield is concerned for tomorrow's game. Denilson, Abou Diaby, and Alex Song have not participated in any of the preseason fixtures, which casts a doubt about their match-fitness. Add to it the facts that Aaron Ramsey is still on the injury list and that Cesc Fabregas is still not completely match-fit.

There is a good possibility that both Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong might be starting the match, due to fitness issues to Fabregas, Song, and Diaby. They were both impressive in preseason encounters but have yet to be tested at the highest levels.

Nicklas Bendtner has been ruled out with a groin problem, while Robin Van Persie is still not yet match-fit. Marouane Chamakh will lead the line for Arsenal on Sunday and will look to continue his impressive form.

Andrei Arshavin has been a thorn in Liverpool's side for two seasons now and he will look to make it a hat-trick of successful outings at Anfield. Tomas Rosicky or Theo Walcott be the third member of the attack in a 4-3-3 formation as Arsenal will look to pile the pressure on Liverpool's defence.

Significance of this Match:

If Arsenal can bag all three points, they could well be sitting on top of the table at the end of September. They have fixtures against weaker teams for the next five games after August 15.

If they can gain the maximum points from all these fixtures, they could well set the pace for the season. Whether or not they start on song will be imperative to the outcome of their season.

Possible Lineup (4-3-3)

Almunia; Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Clichy; Song, Wilshere, Nasri; Arshavin, Chamakh, Walcott

Substitutes:

Fabianski, Van Persie, Fabregas, Frimpong, Diaby, Denilson, Rosicky, Vela

Liverpool 

Liverpool fans have been enraged by the false promises from their American owner and they will hope that they will have reason to smile at the end of the Arsenal game. Rafael Benitez is gone and the reins of the club have been handed over to the straightforward Roy Hodgson.

With the acquisition of Christian Poulsen, Milan Jovanic, and the talented Joe Cole (and with Fernando Torres and Gerrard staying on) Liverpool will have the motivation required to go all guns blazing. This season will be very important as another season without Champions League football will spell gloom over Anfield. 

Liverpool is fortunate to have, arguably, the best goalkeeper in the Premiership in Pepe Reina. He was one of the best players in last year's torrid season. They will hope that he can have a good game against Arsenal, which would be pivotal in Liverpool winning the match.

As far as defence is concerned, Roy Hodgson is concerned about his left-back position, and has re-signed Brazilian Fabio Aurelio. Though Daniel Agger can also fill in at left-back, Hodgson might go for Aurelio or the young Emiliano Insua.

Either Daniel Agger or Martin Skrtel will partner Jamie Carragher in central defence and in all probability, it will be Glen Johnson at right-back. They will look to avoid defensive lapses which lead to their defeat last year.

Joe Cole and Steven Gerrard will be at the centre of midfield and will be wreckers-in-chief for the opposition in the likely absence of the still unfit Torres. Alberto Aquilani is likely to be relegated to the bench as he looks to make an impact, this season.

Lucas Leiva may get a look-in for the encounter and it is still uncertain if Javier Mascherano will play as the defensive midfielder. There is still a possibility that Poulsen will make his debut at Anfield tomorrow, but he might not start the match.

It is probable that David Ngog will lead the attack, in case Torres is not fit for the clash. Milan Jovanic and Dirk Kuyt will give support to Ngog and will supplement the attack.

 Jovanic would love to make an impression in his first Premier League appearance and Kuyt is sure to put in 150 percent effort to help resurrect Liverpool's Champions League status. The onus will be on Ngog to deliver on the big stage. Ryan Babel and Daniel Pacheco might be used as impact substitutes.

Significance of this Match:

Liverpool faces Arsenal and Manchester City in back-to-back weeks and it is imperative they get off to a solid start. Success against Arsenal will instill belief in the team's ranks and invigorate the team. If they are to make a strong statement, then beating Arsenal is their first step. Besides, if Torres can be fit for the upcoming clashes, then they could even challenge for the title. But it all depends on how they tackle their first real challenge.

Possible Lineup (4-4-1-1)

Reina; Johnson, Carragher, Skrtel, Aurelio; Rodriguez, Cole, Mascherano, Kuyt; Gerrard; Ngog

Substitutes:

Cavalieri, Agger, Aquilani, Pacheco, Lucas, Poulsen, Wilson, Torres (if fit)

What would a win mean to these two clubs?

When teams like Arsenal and Liverpool play against each others, football fans are the real winners because they can witness some quality football over the one and a half hours of play. Success in the opening encounter can rejuvenate a team and take their season to great heights.

The importance of a good start has been emphasized by both managers and it will be a match, which could decide their club's ultimate outcome at the end of their season.