Arsenal vs Liverpool: A Game of Tactics

Arsenal have the chance to get back into the title race on Sunday (how many times have we said that before) with a victory over Liverpool. Of course, it will not be an easy game and most of the match will be down to the tactical decisions of the managers. Formations will be just as important as how the players put out on the pitch.

Wenger's main task will be getting Francesc Fabregas to go forward much like he did last season. Cesc's play has been much more reserved this season and if he starts getting forward more, he will be much more effective in attack. The reasons he hasn't had the freedom of going forward all the time are: More teams are packing the middle-edge of the box, not allowing him to do what he does best, giving those killers passes or making space to take a long shot.

This negative style of play really hinders him, though if Liverpool will do this is yet to be seen. The second reason is the comfort of having a strong holding midfielder covering for him while he goes forward is gone. Denilson will definitely grow into a great player, but he just isn't ready to play the holding role yet. That tactical awareness comes with more experience.

Though Song is stronger and better in the tackle, the same can be said for him. He can't reproduce his scintillating form for Cameroon in the African Nations Cup for Arsenal week in, week out. We've seen Fabregas track back too much, and play too deep into midfield.

Another thing that was most evident at 'Boro last weekend was the lack of width in the team. With Nasri coming back though, that will be partly resolved on the left side. The only option of width on the right is Eboue. Ramsey is not ready, and neither is Wilshere. 

Arsenal is going to have to be as free-flowing as they can because Liverpool will definitely close down all spaces, with the tireless Dirk Kuyt tracking back all the time. Arsenal will also have to be tireless, closing down space, especially on Steven Gerrard. He will have to be marked into the ground as he is really the only player on Liverpool who has been in great form in the past month. He is their fulcrum and he has to be stopped.

Basically, Wenger's specific tactical instructions have to be followed to the point. Denilson will actually be one of the most important player, if not the most important on the pitch because his job will be to hold the midfield while Cesc goes forward. Van Persie will drop deep and pick up the ball as always, and him linking up with Cesc is a great move.

Adebayor will have to be a typical target man, holding up play and allowing Fabregas and Van Persie to get in on goal. Carragher hasn't been in great defensive form (though he did score a goal for Sp*rs) and RVP will be looking to trouble him greatly. The brilliant partnership between Nasri and Clichy will be key as well. Djourou will have to be as aggressive as ever, giving Gallas more confidence to clean up balls on the ground.

This is sure to be a great match, though with Benitez you never know. He might instruct Liverpool to play "ugly" football. Without Torres, they lack the creative spark up front, and only Gerrard will be able to inspire anything from the Reds, as was seen during their lethargic draw against Hull City last week. Arsenal can come out with a victory, but it will really be hard-fought.