Liverpool v. Arsenal Preview

First of all I would like to start by wishing Aston Villa the best of luck in breaking into the top four this season.

The reason being that if Villa finally break the so called "Big Four" and land a Champions League spot, then Gareth Barry will stay with Villa and we get to keep, probably our best player this season, Xabi Alonso. Xabi has changed the game for Liverpool on many occasion this season and has proved statistically to be one of Liverpool's most consistent players in the race for our first title in 19 years.

Not only does his holding role provide Liverpool's more attacking players to go forward with ease, but his shots from the half-way line and his important goals create an exciting option for the current squad.

Previewing the game against Arsenal, I think now would be the best time to play the Gunners as they have been vulnerable in recent weeks/months with their inexperienced squad and behind the scenes activity has definitely taken its tole on the players.

Wenger's continued faith in the useless Bendtner will be a key factor in the 4pm blockbuster, also the fitness of key players such as van Persie, Samir Nasri, and Adebayor with their recent injuries providing a headache for Arsenal's boss.

Not only their captain's commitment but Arsenal's support has been questioned as of late, with Eboue receiving dog's abuse at the Emirates Stadium due to feigning injury, diving and not giving 100% for the paying fans.

Although the way fans gave him a buzzing reception during Arsenal's recent Champions League outting, the home fans have demanded more heart and commitment from the 25-year-old Ivorian.

Moving on to Robbie Keane, I feel his options are limited at the club. Having followed Keane from early in his career, watching him at Anfield with Coventry and Spurs and also being a fellow Irishman, I've always admired his workrate and passion in giving 100% for whatever club he plays for.

Maybe deep down he feels so desperate to play for the club he supported as a boy, that it's having an adverse effect on the striker. You can almost see him trying too hard when he pulls on the Liverpool jersey and maybe he questions Rafa's belief in him following recent substitutions and being left out entirely for the Hull game at Anfield, when the mighty Reds were desperate to score to move away from second placed Chelsea.

However many goals Robbie scores for Liverpool, and whether he's there for another few weeks or another few years, I among millions of other Pool fans who will continue to give Keano our undying support in succeeding at the most successful team in Britain.

King Rafa has been questioned severely in the media since his arrival, following his choices of substitution and player selection but I'd just like to make one comment...

Rafa is a legend!

I will never question anything he does ever at Anfield, mainly because he is the man to take us forward. Many have doubted him in the past, not considering that it took Shankley five years to build the team that went on to dominate European football in the 70's. He gave us one of the best spectacles world sport has ever seen, clawing Liverpool back from three goals down against one of the most powerful teams in the world.

Rafa is a tactical genius; no-one will ever understand his selection process or why he doesn't play this player or that player, but Benitez proves people wrong time after time again and has my full backing for ever and ever.

I predict Liverpool to scrape past Arsenal 2-1 today, with goals coming from midfield. We have dipped slightly in form but away from home we continue to dominate games and see off opponents with more ease than we have been doing at home.

All the best lads, move us four points clear ahead of Chelsea's Monday night game and give them something to be afraid of.