Liverpool vs. Arsenal Preview

Anfield will be a cauldron of noise for the visit of Arsenal on Saturday March 3 – a match the Reds must win if they are to keep their hopes of Champions League qualification alive.

Kenny Dalglish’s men sit seven points behind the Gunners with a game in hand going into the fixture and a victory would do a lot to put Arsenal’s current fourth place standing in jeopardy.

However, should Liverpool fail to claim all three points, bridging that gap heading into the final twelve games of the season may be too much of a tall order.

Arsenal turned in one of their most spirited performances under Arsene Wenger in their last Premier League match to beat North London rivals Tottenham from 2-0 down.

Robin Van Persie once again inspired his team as they rifled in five goals without reply to at the very least recapture some pride following their recent 4-0 drubbing at the hands of AC Milan in Europe.

And on the back of that success, Arsenal may now finally have the confidence to attain some much needed consistency. Liverpool have been far from spectacular at Anfield, nevertheless they remain unbeaten after their first twelve home fixtures of the current campaign.

Arsenal’s poor away form has been the main contributor towards their disappointing season and the odds are rightly stacked against them winning on Merseyside based on their slim return of five victories from thirteen games on the road.

Assuming that Liverpool are fresh after their Carling Cup exploits, it would be no surprise to turn in a winning performance to complete a league double over the Gunners following their early season success at the Emirates.

That 2-0 result will also give the Reds a huge psychological advantage and their physicality can once again prove Arsenal’s undoing. Liverpool are a best priced even money to inflict a seventh away defeat upon Arsenal and put themselves firmly back in the Champions League picture.

Wenger must find a way to combat the formidable midfield duo of Gerrard and Adam but they are likely to rule the roost over Arsenal’s midfielders who lack overall strength and tenacity.

Arsenal are actually rather big at 3/1 and those odds may prove to be a steal if the Gunners can reproduce the quality which saw them mow down Tottenham in such impressive style. But Liverpool are unlikely to fade in front of the Kop and allow Arsenal as much reign.

Goals have certainly followed Arsenal around this season however this match is likely to be different as Liverpool play with a great deal of caution, organisation and control.

One of Liverpool’s best assets is their ability to dictate the tempo and flow of matches and this will at least stop the goals reigning in at their end – making fewer than 2.5 a decent looking wager at 5/6.

This match could prove pivotal to the future of both clubs and a highly passionate and entertaining affair is on the cards with such a huge potential prize at stake come the end of the season.

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26/02/2012     © Frixo 2024