Arsenal FC v Liverpool FC – Prematch Opinion
Brendan Rodgers and his men travel down to north London tonight to take on Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal side. Whilst nothing will be decided on this game, there is a lot of early season pride and psychological advantage at stake.
On the basis of form, one would expect the visitors to be slight favourites considering their unbeaten record and the fact that the hosts have won only one of their opening two matches against opposition one would have expected them to beat. However, we would be total numpties to recognise that this will be a tough, tough call. On history alone, the stats don’t bode well. For the wholly numbers for Liverpool, at the Emirates Stadium, read: P:19, W:12, D:5 L:2. In old money, that means historically, Liverpool have won only 10% of their games. Indeed, the last meeting in April ended with the visitors getting trounced 4-1. Doesn’t exactly make you want to run down to the bookies with a fist full of dollars.
Now the doom and gloom is out of the way, we can focus on the positive stuff. The team is arguably better than the eleven that rocked up last season. At least this one has a recognised striker in it. Consider Philippe Coutinho, Raheem Sterling and Lazar Markovic – versus Coutinho, Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino (who I believe will start tomorrow night. It’s a no brainer as to where the quality lies. In midfield, Emre Can and James Milner versus Joe Allen and Lucas Leiva. Enough said. All over the park the side is stronger now than last season and this is what, will make the difference.
Brendan Rodgers in his pre-patch press conference said “…You may not be able to dominate possession, but we can look to dominate the space…” This for means a counter-attacking game. Focus will thus be mainly on the defence and I don’t expect any change to the back line that has brought Liverpool maximum points in the last two games. Albeit somewhat fortuitously. Thus Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez. The only one in doubt ay be Lovren given the recent noises about Mamadou Sakho being offered a new contract. In midfield, there probably will be a change.
Jordan Henderson, unless he’s 100% ready should not play in this match. Step forward Emre Can to partner James Milner in central defence. I’d like to see Roberto Firmino start ahead of Adam Lallana – who remains less than convincing so far – Philippe Coutinho and Jordan Ibe supporting Christian Benteke. With this set up, expect plenty of direct play given Rodgers’ comments. It’s not going to be about the amount of possession, but quality of possession. This is another reason why I’d like the two Brazilians starting.
It’s fair to say we haven’t seen the best of this Liverpool side yet. Not given the new recruits and how the reputations they bring with them. I’d like to see a better performance in this game. If the team plays as we know they can, then I think we can expect a win. Should that happen, then you can contact me after… I’ll be in dreamland!
However, from what I’ve seen of this side so far, I’d be more than happy with the draw. This match is by no means a title decider although psychologically, three points would give the entire team a boost. Not to mention the fans!
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