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Arsenal can jump into second spot on the Premier League ladder with a win over Liverpool, in the first game following the international break. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 10:30pm AEDST.
February 26 may have seen Arsenal suffer a home loss against Monaco, but since then the Gunners have not made a wrong step, winning six from six.
A win against Liverpool will lift them to second place on the Premier League ladder, while they are safely ensconced in FA Cup reckoning to defend the title they won last season.
European elimination may have been painful at Monaco, but it has brought about steeliness at the Emirates Stadium.
In contrast, the bubble burst for Liverpool last weekend, and against the worst possible opponent. An otherwise flawless 2015 was brought unstuck by Manchester United, as Liverpool not only lost a game against its oldest foes, but also Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel to suspension, and possibly Daniel Sturridge to injury.
Fourth place is not out of reach, but a visit to the Emirates comes at the worst time to make up the current five-point gap.
Arsenal’s renaissance has come via a clinical ability in front of goal, ably led by Olivier Giroud. He who missed several open chances against Monaco has since been popping goals in for fun, ably flanked by Danny Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez.
In midfield, Arsene Wenger may be tempted to counteract Brendan Rodgers’ counterattacking setup by installing Mathieu Flamini at the base, with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Mesut Oezil operating in the central areas. Wenger also appears to have solved his central defensive dilemmas following the purchase of Gabriel Paulista, who has dovetailed well alongside Laurent Koscielny.
Arsenal’s tactics will likely involve crowding out a Liverpool midfield sans Steven Gerrard, and employing regular attacks in and around the opposition back three sans Skrtel.
If Liverpool are to miss out on the top four, they can cite the United derby as the day they let their momentum slip. The absence of Skrtel in defence means a likely return for Dejan Lovren, alongside Mamadou Sakho and Emre Can, or possibly even a start for Kolo Toure at his former home.
In midfield, Gerrard’s absence is less worrisome, with Joe Allen combining well alongside Jordan Henderson during the captain’s long-term injury layoff last month.
The real problems for Liverpool are upfront, with both Sturridge and Adam Lallana in doubt. An absence to either may grant Raheem Sterling his wish to play upfront alongside the in-form Philippe Coutinho, while Mario Balotelli may also be given a chance to shine following a bright performance in last weekend’s All Stars charity game at Anfield.
Expect Liverpool to be in a defensive mindset and play strictly on the counterattack, as they will know any further blanks can end their top-four chances.
Liverpool’s record at the Emirates is poor, with the last win coming in late 2010. Arsenal start as warm favourites, and should jump into second by full time.
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