Premier League football has it been at it's level best when it comes it competitiveness this season. And ahead of tonight's clash between the Gunners and Reds at the Emirates, there is definitely the added sense of intensity as two teams with two different missions take on each other in a titanic battle.
As far as Arsene Wenger is concerned, it has been another below-par season although the Frenchman will strongly go against any opinions of such as he keeps on blaming luck for his side's poor justification on the field. Their poor tale of lacking in physicality has once again reaped the rewards of being talked amongst most of the Arsenal fanatics around the world. (Click here to get a clearer idea about it)
However, not everything has completely been vanished before their eyes right? After all, being seven points behind Manchester United with a game in hand doesn't sound awful at all. Therefore with the Premier League being their only hope to salvage some pride in a mixed season for them so far, tonight's clash against Liverpool represents a massive test of character for the so called 'immature' lads under Wenger.
What's up for Liverpool? Well basically it's all about continuing their revitalization under Kenny Dalglish. After all, that is how it has been shaping up for them ever since their short trip to the relegation zone under Roy Hodgson last year. But to be well aware of their improvements, just have a look at their matches against the 'powerhouses' in English football ever since their revival kicked off.
Three wins against Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea respectively does manifest their true competence. Naturally, this Liverpool team does deserve credit for it's grit and determination after their impeccable transitions from the target of a mid-table finish into challenging for the Champions League spot all over again. This has been the simple anecdote of revival for Liverpool so far.
Possible Impacts On Their League Standings
IF ARSENAL WIN:
As we mentioned above, the Premier League remains the only chance of redemption for the Gunners this season. Nevertheless, they have a huge chance of just doing so when they take on Dalglish's men tonight.
The Gunners have a pretty decent home record against the Reds, having only lost once at home to the Merseyside team in 10 occasions. Even their recent form at home validates a huge chance for them to nick it off tonight.
So what happens if they do win the encounter tonight? Arsenal are currently trailing Manchester United by seven points with a game in hand. With United not playing until Wednesday, a victory tonight will take them to within four points of the Red Devils. Considering that both these sides will still lock horns in May, the chances are pretty open for anybody to lift the title.
When it comes to Liverpool, a defeat will almost virtually end their slim hopes of Champions League football next season. With two Europa League spots already taken by Birmingham (winners of the Carling Cup) and the winner between the Bolton-Stoke FA Cup semi final clash, defeat will also put their Europe League hopes under massive jeopardy as Spurs currently occupy the fifth place.
IF LIVERPOOL WIN:
A victory for Liverpool would keep their slim chances of booking a spot in the Champions League pretty alive. The Reds currently are on 48 points, five behind Spurs and eight behind Man City. That means, success against the Gunners takes them to 51 points and brings them closer to a Europa League spot as well as keeping their diminutive hopes of Champions League football next season.
For Arsene Wenger, it would literally vanquish their hopes of lifting the Premier League title for the first time since the 03/04 season. With tough games against Spurs and Bolton coming up, a defeat could also prove to be a confidence crusher in their bid of salvaging a down falling season.
IF IT ENDS IN A DRAW:
A draw is something that Arsenal in particular would like to avoid as it would affect both their aims and aspirations for this remainder of the season. A draw will also allow Manchester United to further escape with the league title as well as causing adverse effects to European football hopes at Anfield.
However, if there is one team that would benefit slightly from this draw, it will be the Reds. Liverpool still have to host Tottenham Hotspur in the closing stages of the season and a draw would very much keep their European dreams alive although a win would prove to be a popular choice among KOP fans.
Arsenal Predicted Line Up: Szczesny, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy, Eboue, Song, Wilshere, Fabregas, Walcott, Nasri, Van Persie
Liverpool's Predicted Line Up: Reina, Skrtel, Carragher, Flanagan, Aurelio, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Kuyt, Suarez, Carroll
