Match Preview: Arsenal vs. Liverpool

Arsenal and Liverpool link up again Saturday at lunchtime, a grudge match of Arsenal’s dominant 2-0 victory at the Emirates on November 2^nd.  That victory vaulted the Gunners atop the Barclays Premier League table, a result they’ll wish to duplicate at Anfield.

Simply put, Arsene Wenger out-managed Liverpool gaffer Brendan Rodgers last time out. The dominant talking points leading up were about the scintillating strike partnership of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, but Wenger pressured them high up the pitch, at times isolating both players and giving them no time and space.

The centre-back partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker outmatched Liverpool’s attack, subduing most opportunities. Combined with a flash of brilliance from Aaron Ramsey, and Arsenal deserved their win.

Many of the same story-lines persist with this match. Sturridge and Suarez are still firing on all cylinders, and Koscielny and Mertesacker are still the best partnership in the Premier League.  Injuries have played their part however: Ramsey is out, as well as Daniel Agger and Glen Johnson for Liverpool, and Jack Wilshere may not play.

The match will feature many tactical battles at specific positions: Philippe Coutinho vs. Mikel Arteta,  Steven Gerrard vs. Mesut Ozil, and of course Suarez vs. Koscielny. If Liverpool can assert themselves in midfield like they did in their Merseyside derby vs. Everton, they can really put pressure on Arteta and Arsenal’s back line which has been prone to becoming unraveled like at Southampton.

On the flipside, if Arsenal can duplicate their dominance in midfield and defense like in November, they’ll be in great shape. That’s the way the Gunner’s have taken the league by force this season; being astute in defense and opening things up for their vaunted passing and attack.

Match Notes

-Liverpool hasn’t beaten Arsenal at Anfield for seven years, including last year’s 2-0 thumping

-Liverpool defenders Daniel Agger, Jose Enrique and Glen Johnson will miss through injury

-Jack Wilshere may just be available for Arsense Wenger coming off an ankle problem

-Kim Kallstrom. Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen are also injured, and midfielder Matthieu Flamini will miss due to suspension