After last week’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester City, the Premier League tosses up another early season clash between two of the big clubs, when Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates.
Neither side has produced particularly impressive form thus far after the first two rounds. Arsenal were thoroughly humiliated against West Ham in the opening fixture, and despite securing three points against Crystal Palace last weekend, the 2-1 win was far from comfortable.
Liverpool have secured maximum points from their two Premier League matches, but their 1-0 wins over Stoke City and Bournemouth have inspired very little hope for their supporters. Coutinho came to his side’s rescue with a stunning goal at the Britannia and played his part in the questionable winner scored by Christian Benteke against Eddie Howe’s side.
A win for the Gunners would no doubt be a mark of their credentials as title challengers, while a positive result for Liverpool would suggest they can head back into the top four this season.
Key Battle – Christian Benteke vs Per Mertesacker
The 2013-14 season opener was one of the lowest points of Wenger’s time at Arsenal, with a 3-1 loss at home to Aston Villa triggering outrage across supporter groups. Christian Benteke was one of the men at the heart of Arsenal’s destruction, scoring twice and creating a myriad of problems for the Arsenal defence. Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny were the starting centre-backs on that day, and will be tasked with shutting down the dangerous Belgian.
Given Benteke’s strength in the air, Mertesacker will no doubt be crucial in shutting down this aspect of the striker’s game. The German has been criticised for his lack of pace, but his ability in the air is unrivalled in the squad.
Team News
Arsenal should have their whole first choice eleven available, but are missing Jack Wilshere, Tomas Rosicky and Danny Welbeck through injury. Once again Arsene Wenger will have to decide whether Olivier Giroud or Theo Walcott will start up front, but given the Frenchman’s well-taken goal against Palace he should get the nod. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should be given free rein to terrorise Liverpool’s newest left back, Joe Gomez, but Aaron Ramsey will likely drop to the bench without an open space in central midfield. Hector Bellerin should make a return to right back after missing the win over Palace.
Arsenal Expected XI (4-3-3): Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla, Ozil; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Giroud, Sanchez.
Brendan Rodgers will be sweating on the fitness of Jordan Henderson, who is being monitored closely after a knock against Bournemouth. Should the club captain be ruled out, Emre Can could be the man to step into the void. It looks like the defence will remain unchanged, with 18-year-old Joe Gomez still the preferred option at left back. Dejan Lovren looks set to start alongside Martin Skrtel in the heart of defence once again, while up front, Christian Benteke will be hoping to terrorise the Arsenal defence like he did at Aston Villa. Jordon Ibe has started the first two rounds in favour of big-money signing Roberto Firmino, but Rodgers could be tempted to throw the Brazilian in from the start in such a crucial fixture.
Liverpool Expected XI (4-2-3-1): Mingolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Milner, Henderson; Lallana, Coutinho, Ibe; Benteke.
Head-to-Head
Played 184, Arsenal 68, Liverpool 67, Drawn 49.
Previous meeting
Arsenal truly announced themselves as title contenders in the corresponding fixture last season, powering to a 4-1 win against a hapless Liverpool. An electric end to the first half saw the Gunners find the net through Hector Bellerin, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, all but ending the contest. A penalty from Jordan Henderson was nothing more than a consolation for Liverpool, while Olivier Giroud completed the rout in second half stoppage time.
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Prediction
WhilE neither side has produced a particularly effective performance this season, the Gunners are listed as clear favourites with a number of betting sites. It is not particularly surprising, despite their shock loss to West Ham, Arsenal have produced some impressive patches of football. With the most settled squad in the league, the Gunners should be looking to make a fast start in the competition while their competitors build up fluency. Liverpool have secured two wins from two, but are still building cohesion in a first eleven with a number of new arrivals. The home side should come away with the points, but Liverpool may find the back of the net through some individual brilliance.
Arsenal 2 Liverpool 1
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