Arsenal v Liverpool – Saturday 20th August – Emirates Stadium London (13:45)
Arsenal v Liverpool
With the English Premier League in full flight now, fans have been treated to a real mouth-watering encounter at an early stage of the season. Being the second fixture of the campaign, both teams will be out to kick start their season.
Arsenal is going through a turmoil period both on and off the pitch. They have been forced to sell their influential captain Cesc Fabregas to boyhood club Barcelona and French international Samir Nasri looks set to follow him out the door to title rivals Manchester City. Arsene Wenger is under heavy pressure as the fans are now making their feelings felt and urging the French to splash the cash on replacements as well as reinforcements. Arsenal have been linked with a number of players and Wenger will have to step up his pursuit for the likes of Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Jadson as the transfer window comes to a close. Robin Van Persie has been handed the captaincy armband and stressed the importance of the manager bringing in new faces to help end their 6 year trophy drought. Arsenal played to a goalless draw this weekend as they lacked creativity in the last third of the park, dominating possession but unable to take their chances in those vital positions. New signing Gervinho was full of running and looked the best bet to break the dead lock until he received his marching orders for slapping out at trouble maker Joey Barton. Arsene Wenger will have to make some key signings if Arsenal wishes to maintain their stature amongst the elite.
Liverpool was amongst the busiest clubs in the transfer market, spending nothing less than 50 Million pounds in new faces. They have added Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson, Doni and Jose Enrique to the squad, looking to increase depth and creativity. They are currently without key man and influential captain Steven Gerrard as he continues to fight his way back from a groin injury and is expected back by mid September. Liverpool played to 1-1 draw to Sunderland over the weekend and feel they should have got all 3 points as Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez missed a penalty. Kenny Dalglish will be looking for a much better performance in there next encounter as he looks to end their 21 year wait for title ship glory. King Kenny is still looking to bring in one or two more recruits and will be busy throughout the duration of the transfer window.
Both teams have yet to kick off their season in the manner that they would have preferred and therefore will be going all out for the victory. These two are evenly matched and should cancel each other out and play to a draw.
