The Premier League excitement continues this weekend as league leaders Arsenal travel to Anfield to face a stiff test at Liverpool that might determine their chances of winning the title.
The Reds will aim to return to winning ways after the 1-1 draw at West Brom.
Earlier in the season, Liverpool were beaten 2-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates as Brendan Rodgers’ men lost 2-0 in that reverse fixture back in November.
But Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is confident that his side can make life difficult for Arsenal this time.
Skrtel is hoping to disrupt Arsenal’s title ambitions as the Merseysiders look to tighten their grip on a Champions League qualification spot.
“I am confident we can beat Arsenal because we definitely have the strength to do so,” the defender wrote on his official website.
“They are the leaders at the moment but we can give them a hard time.
“It won’t be an easy game but I am sure we can do something in front of our own fans,” Skrtel added.
Arsene Wenger’s men visit Merseyside as Premier League leaders, without defeat in their previous eight top-flight matches, while the Reds themselves are unbeaten in five in the league and seven in all competitions.
The Gunners currently sit pretty atop of the table and with just fourteen weeks to go, they encounter a tricky run of fixtures that will make or mar their season. They will want to start with positive results but given Liverpool’s record at Anfield this season and the injury problems facing Wenger, the cracker is far from straightforward.
Rodgers’ men are attempting to return to the European elite spot after an absence of four years. They currently two points ahead of bitter rivals Everton, three clear of Tottenham and seven clear of Man United. Worryingly for the Reds, they have developed a habit of dropping silly points like the recent ones against Aston Villa and West Bromwich.
Liverpool have the third best home record in the Premier League this season. They have been rampant, scoring nearly three goals in a match on average. The partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Strurridge has produced thirty eight goals out of fifty eight goals scored this season at Anfield.
At Home, they have won ten out of twelve games, grabbing thirty three goals in the process. The Uruguayan striker has netted fifteen of his twenty three goals at Anfield. He will create a big headache for Arsenal defence when he is in his element.
Liverpool defence has the second best home record at the back, having conceded only eight goals. The Merseysiders have had variable formations in recent weeks leaving it unclear as how Rodgers will line up against Arsenal. The gaffer has varied from 5-3-2 to a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 formations without settling on one. He has something of a dilemma in terms of choice as players like Suarez, Sturridge, Phillipe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling afford him with plenty of possible combinations.
Their major worry is in the defense as the likes of Mamadou Sahko, Danny Agger, Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson are all ruled out of the encounter. The other absent player is a long term one in Lucas Leiva, who had a thigh injury in a clash against Villa.
Arsenal on their part, face a very challenging task if they are to keep their title hopes alive in a treacherous spell in spring. First, they have to travel to Anfield to face the likes of Suarez and Sturridge and will be sternly tested in the defense. Despite having a good away record in the Premier League this season, winning eight out of twelve, they face a strong test of their character. So far, they have lost the big game away from home, succumbing at Old Trafford and at the Etihad stadium and the result at Anfield and Stamford Bridge will shape their title ambition. The Gunners defence has been a bit shaky, allowing two vital points to slip away as they conceded twice at Southampton in Arsenal’s last away game.
Wenger has a long injury list. The midfield looks very fragile with Jack Wilshere, Aaron Ramsey and long term absentee AbouDiaby all missing the trip to the Merseyside. Former AC Milan Midfielder Mathieu Flamini will serve the second of his four game ban, while the hero of last weekend, Alex Oxlade-Chamberline is doubtful after pulling his hamstring late on in the game.
In defense, Captain Thomas Vermaelen might return to increase Wenger’s options. Wenger will stick to his customary 4-2-3-1 formations with Mikel Arteta playing the defensive midfield position and shielding the back four. Wenger might make a change in the left back, opting for Kieran Gibbs over Spanish Nacho Monreal.In the attack, the only choice to make is between veteran German striker Lucas Podolski and and Serge Gnabry. Much depends on what Wenger wants from the flanks, whether finesse or raw pace.
Wenger side has failed to produce convincing results away from home in the big games this season. Man City put six past them and struggling Man United edged them out at Old Trafford. Liverpool, on the other hand, Liverpool have looked superb at home and are likely to get result in the encounter.
By: Anthony Nlebem
