Arsenal vs. Liverpool: 10 Bold Predictions for Their Match at Emirates

This game comes at a time of transition for both clubs.  Arsenal is replacing some familiar faces with some new ones, while Liverpool has drafted almost an entirely different starting XI from this time last year.  Both managers have a lot of pressure on them to do well this year because neither club has won silverware for too many years.

This game will be a great test for a Liverpool side trying to gel, but it will also be a good experiment for Wenger to see how some of his youngsters will perform on the biggest stage.

The match between Arsenal and Liverpool always has something dramatic happen, and I expect this time to be no different.

10. Andrei Arshavin Will Get Some Game Time

Arshavin has fallen down the pecking order at Arsenal, but this guy always brings his A-game when Arsenal play Liverpool.  I mean he had four goals in one game against Liverpool!

With Arsenal's squad rather thin right now, it makes sense for Wenger to throw on Arshavin.  This will give him an opportunity to prove himself, but it may also be a chance to show off his skills for a potential transfer.

9. Aaron Ramsey Will Step Up and Lead Arsenal's Midfield

I believe Ramsey has the potential to be Arsenal's new Jack Wilshere.  He just has so much potential.  Although the departure of Fabregas was huge, Ramsey will be able to step up and control the midfield with Wilshere.  

Ramsey will have to lead the way without Wilshere, Diaby, Song and probably Nasri this week though, so he will have a big task this weekend.  However, Ramsey will prove his worth this weekend and on into the future.

8. Either Meireles or Aquilani Will Get Significant Playing Time

Meireles is a very talented player.  He was an influential player, and one of the few bright spots for a large part of last season.  The talk of him leaving baffled me, and still does.  I understand the contract situation and that Liverpool has a wealth of midfielders, but his creativity and passing ability would be sorely missed.

Aquilani is a different story.  His talent is undeniable, but he simply has no desire to play for Liverpool.  His career there just got off on the wrong foot and has gone downhill since then.  Dalglish has tried to make amends, but I still think he will leave this summer.

Both of these players could potentially leave this summer, but I believe only one will.  I expect Dalglish to play one of these two players for a significant stretch in the game to either integrate them into the team or put their skills on display for potential buyers.

7. David N'Gog Will Not Play

Although this may not be the most bold of the predictions, N'Gog did score during this tie at Anfield last season.  However, there are two reasons why I cannot imagine him playing tomorrow.

N'gog has fallen down the pecking order now that Suarez and Carroll have joined.  With Henderson joining and Meireles potentially playing on the right wing, Kuyt now has the ability to play in his preferred role as a striker.  This means that N'Gog has fallen to now being the fourth choice as striker, and I cannot imagine three injuries on Saturday.

In addition, it looks like N'Gog may be leaving the club soon.  Bolton looks a likely destination, especially after Owen Coyle spoke of his interest in N'Gog.  Liverpool will not want to risk injury to him because he might not get another chance to leave for awhile.

6. Whoever Plays Left-Back for Arsenal Will Be at Fault for a Goal

Kieran Gibbs is a bright prospect to fill Arsenal's void at left-back, but he will not be playing this weekend.  He, along with half of Arsenal's current squad, picked up a knock in the past week.  This is a pretty significant injury for Arsenal because Wenger already lost Gael Clichy to Manchester City this summer.

Johan Djourou, who could potentially fill in at left-back, also is out injured.  Wenger will have a tough time picking out a player who can naturally play left-back, but also has enough experience to handle the pressure of this fixture.  I do not think it will work out, and whoever he selects will make a mistake leading to a goal.

5. Downing and Carroll Will Link Up for a Goal

The England stars will prove this weekend why both Dalglish and Capello have put their faith in them.  These two will be a deadly strike duo.  

Although it is early on in the campaign, tomorrow will be the start of this goal-scoring partnership.  Both players have a lot to prove because of their high price tags, but neither will let that pressure stop them from becoming elite.

4. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain Will Make His Arsenal Debut

The Arsenal starlet has been labelled the 'New Theo Walcott.'  Wait, doesn't Arsenal already have Walcott?  This was a strange transfer considering Arsenal's area of weakness is not on the right wing.  The former Southampton winger is very talented though, so maybe Wenger just wanted to bring in some fresh talent.

I think it would be fitting for Oxlade-Chamberlain to make his debut at home during a large match such as this one.  It seems even more likely considering how thin Arsenal's squad is right now.  Making his debut tomorrow would help him to work right into the team down the line.

3. Neither Squad Will Be the Same Starting XI from Last Week

Obviously, Arsenal will not be playing with the same starting XI.  With Gervinho and Song out due to suspension, and a number of others out due to injury, Wenger will be forced to select others for tomorrow's match.

I believe Dalglish will opt to change things a bit too.  Jon Flanagan had his one bad performance for Liverpool last game, so it will be interesting to see whether Dalglish plays him or rests him.  In addition, I expect to see a Meireles on the right wing this week.  I would not be surprised if Meireles started on the wing, but I expect to see him come on to replace Henderson.

2. If Arsenal Scores It Will Be Either Arshavin or van Persie

With Gervinho forced to sit out, these two seem the likely two to lead the attack for Arsenal.  Now that van Persie has become captain, it would be shocking not to see him playing tomorrow.  Arshavin's performances against Liverpool speak for themselves.

With Arsenal losing its two creative masterminds from last season, Fabregas and Nasri, I expect to see any goals come through these Arshavin and van Persie.  Both of them have the ability to create goals out of nothing, so I expect they will do it again tomorrow.

1. Scoreline 3-1 Liverpool

Perhaps the most bold prediction on the list, Liverpool beating Arsenal in London is a rarity.  In fact, Liverpool has not beaten Arsenal at the Emirates for the last fourteen games there.  Even when at Anfield, somehow this match always turns out to be a tie.

Tomorrow will be different though.  Arsenal have yet to spend big this summer, while Liverpool have picked up nearly all of the missing pieces.  I expect both sides to score, but right now Liverpool just have more and deadlier weapons offensively.  I think tomorrow's loss will be a wakeup call for Wenger, and it might force him to sign some players he otherwise would not have.