Both the clubs have enjoyed dominant spells in English football but as things stands, a finish in the top four will keep them content by the end of the season. Whereas Liverpool came very close to clinching the title last season, Arsenal faced a lot of hurdles on their way to landing a top four spot.
However from the looks of it, this season the top four race might go to the wire as things stand. There is no room for complacency especially at this point in the season with both clubs left to play eight more games.
How Arsenal and Liverpool compare ahead of the blockbuster game on Saturday
Any setback suffered will be difficult to bounce back from, whereas a boost in confidence can do wonders. Arsenal will be keenly eying the second spot currently occupied by Manchester City, with the Citizens holding a slender one point advantage over the Gunners. Liverpool on the other hand can close the gap with Arsenal to just three points should they record a win during the all important match.
Arsenal have enjoyed more success in recent meetings between the two sides
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A Champions League finish is vital for both the sides and failing to do so might prove to be catastrophic. Both the teams currently have world class players in their ranks for whom playing in Europe's elite competition is the bare minimum.
As things stand Liverpool are facing quite a struggle to keep hold of their young star Raheem Sterling who is apparently not keen on signing a contract extension at the club. The 20 year old has been hotly linked to a move away from the club and should the Reds fail to finish in the top four, they might almost certainly lose one of the stars in the making.
Liverpool should do all they can to keep hold of their star man
No wonder Rodgers doesn't want to let him go:
Jordan Henderson who has been tipped as Steven Gerrard's potential replacement is also not certain to be at the club next year and if reports are true, the former Sunderland man has refused a contract at the club. For Liverpool to ensure they keep all their star players it is imperative that they finish the current season in the top four.
Wenger and Arsenal on the other hand have patiently built a very strong squad which could potentially challenge for the title in the coming years. It took a lot of patience from the manager as well as the club to bring together a very talented crop of players despite of the exodus they have faced in recent years. All their hard work and perseverance could be wasted if the Gunners fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Players like Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil are recognised as one of the best in the world and if Arsenal fail to qualify for the Champions League, the duo will be keen on seeking greener pastures elsewhere. Apart from securing their current crop of players, Champions League football will further help both the clubs in attracting quality players in the summer transfer window.
Arsenal and Liverpool both have problems to address in the squad, but their task could be made difficult should they not finish in the top four. Arsenal are reportedly targeting a move for French international Morgan Schneiderlin, whereas Wenger is reportedly also interested in securing the services of Uruguayan international Edinson Cavani. Both the players will significantly improve the Arsenal side but will be reluctant to move should Arsenal finish outside the top four.
However there are further incentives Champions League football has on the offering and these pertain to monetary benefits. Champions League winners next year will cash in a whooping €100m, whereas the money to be received for going beyond the group stages has been increased by more than 50%.
More than anything else both the clubs will be looking for stability moving forward. Arsenal and Liverpool have achieved phenomenal achievements during their peak periods but have suffered from rough patches in recent years. However their performances in the last season as well as the current one have shown that the clubs are hungry to rediscover their lost glory and for them to have any chance of doing that, Champions League football is vital.
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