Liverpool v Arsenal 20th April Premier League News
It is difficult to predict whether tomorrow night’s battle between 2 of the most talented Premiership teams will be a thrilling clash or whether instead it will actually turn out to be a bit of a damp squib. Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been playing exciting attacking football of late, however after recent exits from cup competitions both teams must to some extent be licking their wounds. After last week’s defeat in the Champion’s League, the Liverpool squad must feel extremely unfortunate after scoring 4 goals against Chelsea, which in almost any other contest would have give them a decisive victory. Equally Arsenal, booted out of the FA Cup on Saturday after a late Drogba strike gave Chelsea a 2:1 win, must be disheartened and wondering what might have been now that Manchester United has followed them out of the competition after being defeated yesterday by Everton on penalties.
Recent history also suggests that Tuesday’s meeting will not be the spirit lifting goal fest that fans of both sides will be hoping for. 4 of the last 5 meetings between the two teams in all competitions have ended in a 1:1 draw, including the same fixture last season and the meeting of the two sides in December. Liverpool fans who know their stats will however be cheered by the fact that Arsenal have not returned with all three points from Anfield since Ocober 2003, when Pires’ stunning second half strike gave the Gunners victory and contributed towards their title win that year. These football geeks will also be happily aware that there has not been an away win in a fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool in 10 league meetings.
Leaving the stats aside, based on squad fitness it looks like Liverpool will be in the strongest position to take the glory. Although the Merseysiders will be missing their Talisman as with Steven Gerrard remains sidelined with a groin injury, the list of sicknotes handed in by the North Londoners continues to grow. In addition to the gaps in the Arsenal defence, only too noticeable on Saturday, the Gunners will also be without Van Persie and Adebayor as the Dutchman sustained a groin problem in the semi final and his team mate is carrying a hamstring complaint. The only bit of light at the end of the tunnel for Wenger is that Sagna is likely to return at the back and Eduardo should be fit to start.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that a combination of these injuries and a lack of focus from Arsenal will hand them victory. With the Gunners ten points off the Premiership pace, many commentators are suggesting that Arsenal will not have the drive to win at Anfield and will instead be prioritising the Champion’s League, although Wenger denies this vehemently and claims he is determined to cut the gap on the Reds to six points and enjoy a strong finish to the domestic campaign. There is however no disputing that Liverpool has absolutely everything to play for in Tuesday’s match as they are out of all cup competitions and are in hot pursuit of a record 19th English top-flight crown, which would not only be their first in 19 years but would also deny their great rivals Manchester United the opportunity to equal their 18 titles. A draw would see Liverpool top the table on goal difference and a win would put them two points clear, although United will have 2 games in hand.
Given Arsenal’s injury list I predict a 2:1 victory for Liverpool, which although not the most exciting of scorelines does add a further twist in one of the most exciting title races in recent years.
