Inconsistent has been a good to describe Arsenal and Liverpool this season, with both sides struggling to stay in form. Around this time last year, the Gunners were top of the table, while Luis Suarez was scoring goals when he wanted.
Now, things are very different, with Arsenal currently seventh in the Premier League standings, and Liverpool eleventh. That's not where you may be used to seeing either of these clubs, but it's been a poor start for both.
Brendan Rodgers has been dealing with a lot of criticism this season given his side's current form. When you consider how well the Reds played last season, it's understandable why fans would be unhappy with how things are looking at the moment.
Liverpool's last league match ended in a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford, and they now return home to take on the Gunners.
Last season's 5-1 drubbing will be fresh in the mind of Liverpool fans, but they will also not forget the fact that the Reds have only defeated Arsenal twice from their last 14 meetings.
The hosts will be without Glen Johnson until the New Year with a groin injury, but it appears that Dejan Lovren could be available if the former Southampton defender can pass a late fitness test. Unfortunately for Liverpool, or fortunately, Mario Balotelli is suspended for this match, leaving the Italian out of the options for Rodgers.
Arsenal on the other hand has injuries of their own, but it appears that Nacho Monreal and even Theo Walcott will be in the squad today. Another likely face for the London side may be Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who had picked up a knock against Newcastle, but seems likely to be available.
Given how unpredictable things have been for both sides, this match is hard to predict. Will Liverpool's inconsistencies hide away for today, lifting some pressure off the shoulders of Rodgers, who was considered by many Reds fans the best in the Premier League last season? Or are Arsene Wenger's men going to continue their great form in this fixture, pushing the home fans to the edge?
A defeat for either side would not be good, but with the match being at Anfield, it could be worst for Rodgers. In order to avoid a disappointment, the Liverpool manager will make sure Alexis Sanchez is watched closely, but the Chilean knows the hosts are vulnerable.
Liverpool vs. Arsenal team sheets
Liverpool starting XI: Jones; Toure, Skrtel, Sakho; Lucas, Henderson, Markovic, Coutinho, Gerrard; Lallana, Sterling
Liverpool bench: Jose Enrique; Lambert; Moreno; Manquillo; Mignolet; Can; Borini
Arsenal starting XI: Szczesny; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Chambers, Gibbs; Flamini, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Cazorla; Alexis, Giroud, Welbeck
Arsenal bench: Martinez, Monreal, Coquelin, Maitland-Niles, Campbell, Walcott, Podolski
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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