Pre-Match talk Arsenal V Liverpool

Good day arsenal Fans!

Arsenal and Liverpool take to the field tonight for the highlight fixture of the fourth round of the carling cup. Both teams will field slightly weaker teams. For Arsenal Fabianski will be back, which is a welcome return considering the inexperienced displays by Mannone and the poor form of Almunia, Gibbs should take the left back slot with Senderos partnering Silvestre, who we hope will not repeat the performance he displayed in the 4-4 draw at Anfield.

With Gavin Hoyte out on loan the right back position is not straight forward, Wenger might choose to give Eastmond a game but considering the opposition don’t be surprised to see Eboue or Sagna lining up. In midfield, it’s fairly straight forward with Merida, Randall and Coquelin fighting to line up behind Ramsey and Nasri, who will be making a welcome return from injury. Upfront, it will be Eduardo, Bendtner and Vela.

The big news for Liverpool is that Aquilani might get a sub appearance, he’s a player I have seen a lot of playing for Roma; expect him to play behind the Liverpool forward if he does come on, he does have power and accuracy in his shot and can find a decent through ball but he’s a shoot first think later kind off player; the fact that he’s light weight might not matter much considering the opposition; he is not similar to Alonso and he could however turn out to be a big star for Liverpool; one to watch out for when Arsenal take on Liverpool in a few weeks.

This is a big game for Merida, I believe this game could decide his future at Arsenal; the Spanish midfielder has 8 months left on his contract and doesn’t want to sign a new contract unless he is guaranteed first team football. His performance tonight could make this a possibility especially considering since Denilson’s injury, Arsenal have been playing with the same three in the centre for quite a few games; he could put pressure on Diaby and Song as well as compete for first substitute with Ramsey. It will be a disappointment if he does leave, Wenger rates him highly and so do Barcelona, where he was captain of the youth team; but seeing fellow compatriots Busquet and Pedro, who were below him in pecking order at Barca B, getting into the first team for Barca will make him a little itchy.

I do think Arsenal should be able to win at home; I will love Fabianski to keep a clean sheet and stake a claim for number 1 spot. Also Senderos needs to put in a performance; soon either Gallas or Vermaelen will need a rest in the League. Our right back will need to watch Babel closely.

I’ll go for Arsenal to edge this one with Eduardo and Vela getting on the score sheet, Ngog or Voronin might nick one for Liverpool.