 Game of the week: Liverpool vs Arsenal
as previewed by Jade Fitch
It’s a two-horse race for the title. The opinion held by many football pundits and managers alike, who can only see Chelsea or Manchester United holding the Premiership trophy aloft come May. These two sides, however, are refusing to accept defeat.
Liverpool have, more so than their North London opponents, nothing short of a miracle to perform if they are to finish top this year, with many tipping them to be the team who drop out of the top four. Currently seventh, they are behind leaders Chelsea by a massive 12 points. How likely is it that a team renowned for grinding out wins is going to drop 12 points in the second half of the season?
Arsenal have a less daunting task, eight points off the pace with a game in hand, and Wenger for one, will not give up the ghost until it is mathematically impossible for his team to catch up. The Gooners have been playing well this season and there is no doubting their attacking ability.
However, in terms of the title race, they were embarrassed by Chelsea in their game at the Emirates. Spectators couldn’t help but see the gulf of quality between the leaders and the chasing pack.
So to Super Sunday’s game. On the last four occasions this meeting has seen the spoils shared, three of which were 1-1 draws, although few can forget last season’s incredible 4-4, with Andrei Arshavin scorer of all four of Arsenal’s goals, and Fernando Torres also on red-hot form.
The Reds know that this game is one that they need to win to make up points on the current top four, and three points here could put them level on points with Spurs, depending on their result against Wolves on Saturday, and just one behind Arsenal.
The North Londoners, however, will see this as a way of making a cushion between them and those challenging for fourth, as well as making up some difference on the top two.
Both sides have had indifferent form of late; although Liverpool haven’t lost in four league games, they have only picked up all three points on one of those occasions.
Their problem last season was dropping points, which ultimately cost them the title, and they have done exactly the same this season but it could cost them much dearer, literally in terms of the Champions League.
Wenger’s men got back to winning ways against Stoke last week off the back of two defeats. They had been undefeated in seven before that, with six of them being wins, but have too dropped points this season seeing them clinging on to their third position, with the top four wannabes desperate not to let up.
Having Torres missing has been a nightmare for Rafa Benitez, especially as he is irreplaceable in the Liverpool starting 11. There is some hope that he could return for this match, along with Ryan Babel, but it is too early for a definitive decision.
Wenger will have little sympathy with the Anfield outfit’s injury list, though, as he contends with the fact that seven of his squad are out, including Robin Van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo. The clinical finishing of Van Persie will be missed nearly as much as Torres to Liverpool, although Arshavin can quite easily step up to the mark when needed to.
It’s a very difficult call to predict where this one is going in terms of a result. Liverpool have the home advantage but Arsenal will be desperate not to go away with nothing and as much as both teams would love the win, a draw is still looking the most likely outcome.
Verdict: Super Sunday spoils shared...proving more of a hindrance than positive to each side.
Saturday, 12th December 2009
Birmingham vs West Ham: Defences on top, all square at St. Andrew's
Bolton vs Man City: City's return to form couldn't come at a worse time for a beleagured Gary Megson; Blues to run riot at Reebok.
Burnley vs Fulham: Fulham's solid form and solid play extends, as parachute continues to elude free-falling Burnley
Chelsea vs Everton: Chelsea come unstuck again as Toffees stick tight for a draw.
Hull vs Blackburn: Tiger Jim's absence emphasises his importance as Blackburn take all three points
Man United vs Aston Villa: United's returning attack guarantees goals, but only in equal measures to their make-shift defence
Stoke vs Wigan: Stoke kick lumps out of woeful Wigan as Martinez's maverick continue inconsistent run
Sunderland vs Portsmouth: Black Cats to dent Pompey's new found optimism as home form continues to carry Steve Bruce's side
Tottenham vs Wolves: Expect goals and, ultimately, a home win as Wolves' lack of potency costs them again.
For full previews and accounts of all these games, please visit www.football-previews.co.uk |
