English giants Liverpool and Arsenal will clash at the Anfield on Sunday, here we look at five key battles which can decide the outcome of the match.

Both teams have been largely unimpressive by their high standards and will be looking for a victory to turn their respective seasons around. Arsenal have continued to struggle against the top sides in the Premier League and will be looking to avenge the humiliating 5-1 defeat at the Anfield last season. Liverpool on the other hand will be keen to bounce back from a 3-0 thumping at the hands of fierce rivals Manchester United.

Victory for either side will require key men to step up, here we take a look at players from each team who can make a difference on Sunday.

Sterling vs Sanchez

The Liverpool youngster has been appointed a new role at the club and the 20 year old is poised to lead the line for the Reds once again. Raheem Sterling has been likened by his manager Brendan Rodgers to Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez who has made quite an impression since his arrival in the summer.

The Chilean hardly took much time to settle in his new team and hit the ground running from the word go. His antics have seen him scoring 13 goals and providing six assists in 21 appearances in all competitions this season. Apart from his undeniable quality the former Barcelona man's work ethic has been hugely impressive and Liverpool should definitely devise a plan to contain the flamboyant forward.

His opposite number Raheem Sterling will have to be up to the task if his team is to get the better of Arsenal. The youngster failed to convert chances in the big match against Man United but his brace against Bournemouth in the Capital One Cup tie will surely give him confidence.

Gerrard vs Cazorla

Liverpool's reliable captain has been a shadow of his former self this season and will need to produce a better performance when his team faces Arsenal. Steven Gerrard was largely invisible in the match against Man United and will need to have his presence felt in the middle of the park, an area Arsenal pose a significant threat from.

Santi Cazorla on the other hand after a rather disappointing start to the season has started to show his true colours. The injury to German World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has allowed Cazorla to enjoy more freedom which has had a significant effect on his performances. The Spaniard's role at the club goes beyond just scoring and creating goals, with the former Malaga playmaker highly effective in maintaining the tempo of the game. The 30 year old also adheres to his defensive duties and for Arsenal to have a good game, Cazorla will have to be on song.

Martin Skrtel vs Olivier Giroud

The Slovakian opened up the proceedings when the Reds steamrolled Arsenal at the Anfield last season by scoring two thumping headers in the opening minutes. Skrtel will remain a threat in the opposition half during set pieces but it is important that he pays heed to his responsibilities at the other end of the pitch.

The 30 year old will be against the inform Olivier Giroud who comes into this match at the back of a wonderful brace against Newcastle United. The Frenchman is very strong in the air and is difficult to keep track of owing to his sharp movements in the box and Skrtel will have to ensure he maintains focus throughout the game to keep the Frenchman at bay.

Philippe Coutinho vs Mathieu Flamini

Liverpool will be keen to exploit the weakest link in the Arsenal squad which is arguably their defensive midfielder Mathieu Flamini. The Frenchman was one of the finest play breakers during his first stint at the club but has not been that influential upon his return.

He will be against Brazilian international Philippe Coutinho who in spite of all his talents has been largely innocuous this season. His 20 appearances this season have yielded just a single goal but the Brazilian is capable of much more and should assert his influence on the game on Sunday.

Raheem Sterling  vs Calum Chambers

Chambers is set to return to the side after serving his one match ban after receiving two bookings in the match against Stoke, he will be against his compatriot Raheem Sterling during Sunday's encounter. The former Southampton man has done reasonably well since his arrival but has repeatedly struggled against pace, something Sterling has in abundance.

It will be interesting to see if Chambers can contain the Liverpool youngster and avoid getting booked for  the ninth time in the league this season.
 

 

Match details, result and original broadcast info

Liverpool 2 - 2 Arsenal

December 21, 2014 11:00amAnfield (Liverpool)

This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.

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