Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal FC, 1:2

Embattled Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield in this high profile clash of the weekend on Sunday. Benitez's thin squad has been horribly exposed by injuries, while it has been suggested that Wenger's technically-gifted youngsters have been found to lack experience and endurance. Liverpool's desperation for the three points would appear the greater after collecting only two wins from their last eight league games, against bitter rivals Manchester United and Everton, to leave a 12-point gap to table-topping Chelsea. Arsenal have undoubtedly enjoyed a better campaign than their weekend opponents, but the Gunners are not where they would like to be, sitting third in the table and eight points adrift of Chelsea, albeit with a game in hand. But while both teams' defensive failings suggest that goals will again be on offer on Merseyside this season, the reality is that, with injuries and struggling form in mind, a cagey encounter is expected. Benitez is likely to start lethal marksmen Fernando Torres following the Spaniard's return from a long-standing groin injury as a substitute in the defeat to Fiorentina, meaning regular league starter David Ngog would miss out. Jamie Carragher should return to partner Daniel Agger in central defence after being rested on the bench against Fiorentina, while Glen Johnson should also be reinstated. Arsenal, who defeated Liverpool at Emirates Stadium in the Carling Cup earlier in the season, have not won at Anfield in the league since October 2003. Their cause will not be helped in 2009/10 as Tomas Rosicky is the latest casualty on an increasing injury list. Kieron Gibbs, Robin van Persie, Gael Clichy, Nicklas Bendtner and Johan Djourou are unavailable, so playmaker Arshavin is expected to play as a striker. REVIEW: Andrey Arshavin returned to Anfield to haunt Liverpool again as his stunning goal gave Arsenal a 2-1 victory which heaps more pressure on Reds manager Rafael Benitez. Arshavin, who scored all four goals in the draw on this ground last April, capitalised on Glen Johnson's error to fire in off a post in the 58th minute. Johnson's own goal just after half-time had handed Arsenal an equaliser after Dirk Kuyt had put Liverpool ahead four minutes before the break. Benitez had insisted the season started again after the midweek Champions League defeat to Fiorentina but this latest defeat leaves the Reds seventh in the Premier League table, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa. By contrast the Gunners are now up to third on 31 points, three behind and Manchester United and six short of leaders Chelsea while they also have a game in hand on both sides.

User Ratings
Ratings :