Team News
Daniel Agger was shown the red card against West Bromwich Albion on the first day of the season. He served his one-match suspension by missing Liverpool’s match against Man City. The Denmark international is expected to make the cut in Brendan Rodger’s roster for Sunday’s fixture against Arsenal.
In the absence of the injured Lucas Leiva, Nuri Sahin could make his debut after joining the Merseyside Reds on loan from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, starlet Raheem Sterling could survive competition from Stewart Downing after making a great impression on his debut last weekend.
The good news for Arsene Wenger is that Koscielny and Sagna are expected to be fit on Sunday. The Arsenal coach will also have a few options upfront with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain while the participation of Theo Walcott and Gervinho remains uncertain.
Santi Cazorla may feature in his third Premier League match alongside Lucas Podolski and Olivier Giroud. The trio’s target is to end Arsenal’s 180 minutes barren run in the league.
Analysis
Liverpool were perhaps the biggest losers on the transfer deadline day. The fact that they missed out to Tottenham Hotspur on Clint Dempsey could have a negative impact on the coaching staff. Regardless, Brendan Rodgers should find a goal scoring formula with Luis Suarez, Fabio Borini and Raheem Sterling.
Liverpool will have to be effective in set-pieces and more alert in defence. They got held by Manchester City at Anfield last weekend after allowing Carlos Tevez to snatch a late equalizer. Like Arsenal, the Merseyside Reds are yet to win a match in the league this season.
Their record against Arsenal during the past few years is rather poor. There is no better time than on Sunday for Brendan Rodgers to turn things around for Liverpool against the Gunners. For Arsene Wenger, Sunday’s battle will present an opportunity to be third time lucky.
Olivier Giroud came close to clinching a late victory for his side against Stoke City. More flow in the final third of the pitch may unsettle Liverpool and give Pepe Reina another embarrassing day in post.
While Liverpool’s main problem this season is the defence, Arsenal’s dilemma is the attack. The two teams will have to be adventurous or succumb to another draw.
Last six meetings
December 13, 2009: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
February 10, 2010: Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
August 15, 2010: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
April 17, 2011: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
August 20, 2011: Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
March 3, 2012: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Relevant facts
• Liverpool have already conceded five goals in the EPL this season.
• Arsenal are yet to concede but they are yet to score too.
• Liverpool have beaten Arsenal only once in their last six English Premier League meetings.
• The last four matches between Arsenal and Liverpool produced a total of three red cards.
• The last six matches between Arsenal and Liverpool produced as many as 26 yellow cards.
• None of the last six meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool produced more than three goals.
Prediction
Scores: Liverpool 0-1 Arsenal
