Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview: An Oppurtunity the Reds Have to Capitalize Upon

Opportunity.

If Liverpool FC plan to snatch a Champions League place and have a run at the title this season, they must seize every opportunity they can to gain points.

Last weekend we saw a Liverpool team that couldn’t put away their chances, and as a result, lost the opportunity to earn three points at home against a revitalized Sunderland squad. A wonder strike from Seb Larsson saw the reds drop two points and settle for a tie. 

This weekend’s game presents another opportunity for the Reds to earn three points, as they come up against an Arsenal squad that seems to be crumbling faster than the Berlin Wall.

With Fabergas finally gone and Samir Nasri with one foot out the door, Wegner will have to field a makeshift lineup that may consist of many of the Arsenal youngsters. In addition to Fabergas and Nasri, Wegner will be without new signing Gervinho and midfielder Alexander Song, as they both have been suspended because of misconduct during last week’s game against Newcastle.

Jack Wilshere, amongst other players, will also be unavailable due to an injury.

With a weakened squad, the boys in red should be able to take the opportunity against an unfit and tired squad that fought a tough mid-week battle against Udinese in a Champions League qualifier. The opportunity this weekend is exactly the match in which Liverpool must gain three points away from home.

With so many injuries sustained to their lineup, it's hard to predict what lineup and players Wegner will field on Saturday. In all likelihood, Robin Van Persie will be featured as the lone striker. While Wegner could use Chamakh as a second striker, the chances of him doing so are very slim, especially after a dismal mid-week performance. Van Persie could be flanked on the wings by both Walcott and Arshavin should Wegner chose to deploy the wingers to either side.

While Carragher and Agger should deal with Van Persie’s tricky movement and speed, the outside backs will not be so easily decided upon.

After a solid performance last week, Enrique will most likely continue as a regular full back on the left side.

The decision for Kenny comes on the right side where England-international Glen Johnson is out injured. Kenny could decide to deploy John Flannagan as he did last week, or chose to go with Martin Kelly. After a poor showing last week, Kenny’s best option at right back would be to start Kelly.  Defensively, Kelly’s combination of speed and strength can ward off any threat of Arshavin streaking to the byline on the right side. Offensively, Kelly offers a burst of pace and a wicked cross that could be used to pin the Gunners back should the 20-year-old be given the opportunity to do so.

On the left side, LFC new boy Enrique will have a handfull, especially if Theo Walcott pulls out one of his good performances. If the inconsistent England international can put out a good performance, LFC fans may just see the best, (or worst) of their newest Spanish signing.

Offensively, look for the Reds to line up in a similar formation to last week with two deep midfielders, two wide players, a striker and a “hole player”, just tucked in behind the highest striker. Adam and Lucas will most likely occupy the two deep midfielders as they did last week.

Downing will switch during the game, but look for him to start on the left side with big-man Andy Carroll as the lone striker. While Suarez would be the obvious choice to send out just behind Carroll as the second striker, the Uruguayans fitness may be called into question especially after a weak second half in last week’s opener.

The tricky strikers battle for fitness could see the door open for either Raul Merieles or Alberto Aquilani to step in and occupy the position right behind Carroll. Don’t be surprised if this is the case, and Suarez enters the match later on as a substitute in the second half.

On the right side, a more experienced and defensively sound Dirk Kuyt should get the nod over the young and inexperienced Jordan Henderson.

Whatever lineup Kenny decides to go with on Saturday, they must stretch the potentially young Arsenal lineup.

Last weekend, Liverpool’s best moments of team pass-and-move came from when the ball started out in wide positions, and play continued up the field, either via a Carroll passback or a swing pass to one of the central midfielders.

While Liverpool saw its share of chances, the Reds had trouble getting behind the Sunderland back line from their own possession (Suarez’s breakaway came from a muffed clearance). This is due to the fact that for the most part, Liverpool bypassed Suarez in possession when working up the field. Suarez was rather preferred to stay high and wide, collecting what Andy Carroll fed back to him.

In order to even be further of an attacking threat, Liverpool have to try and work the play through the player “in the hole”. Then Suarez/ Merieles/ Aquilani can turn and run at the heart of the defense allowing either winger or Carroll to make runs in behind the back line.

In addition, look for Enrique to be much more involved in the attack than last week. In his first game as a red, the Spaniard was cautious when going forward, not wanting to get caught out. With a week of training under his belt, and a better feel for his teammates, look for Kenny to give the wingback the green light going forward.

Matchup to watch: Stewart Downing vs Arsenal Back Four

The England international will most likely start Saturday on the left wing but will be given the freedom to roam as he pleases.

Look for Downing to take on Sagna down the wing, but more often than not Downing may chose to drive towards the center of the field when he has the ball. The experienced Arsenal right back may be a formidable opponent for Downing.

If Downing is not able to out pace and out maneuver the Arsenal man, he may find greater success by taking his runs into the center of the field. Downing’s probing runs inside will no doubt require the attention of one of the Arsenal defensive men.

If Downing is able to draw the attention of either center back, space for the two strikers should open up and some nice combination passing could open up for Liverpool.

Prediction:

I have a part of me that says Liverpool will walk away with only a tie from this weekend's match. The Emirates is a hard place to go and get three points no matter what lineup Wegner choses to go with. 

However like a true red, I am totally ignoring all sense of logic and predicting that LFC will pull of a hard-fought victory on Saturday. A 2-0 score seems reasonable with Dirk Kuyt showing his worth as a goal scorer as well as big-man Andy Carroll nodding in his first goal of the campaign.

Please feel free to criticize, critique or comment. I am always looking for new ways to look at our beloved LFC. COME ON REDS!!!