Liverpool vs Arsenal preview-December 13

Liverpool vs Arsenal– December 13, 2009 (16.00 GMT kickoff)

Arsenal will seek to secure their first win at Anfield since October 2003 when they meet Liverpool in Sunday’s only Premier League fixture. Both the teams are way off the pace in the league, especially Liverpool, who are a whopping twelve points behind leaders Chelsea. Arsenal on the other hand are eight points behind Carlo Ancelotti’s side, but do have one game in hand.

Defeat for Liverpool would put a further dent into their already slim title aspirations, while a loss for the Gunners will again bring their title challenge into scrutiny. Loads of punters are unclear as to whom to put as favourites, but many people are putting their money on the Gunners despite their injury hit squad. The Gunners’ last trip to this stadium was an eight goal thriller in which Andrei Arshavin scored four times. The little Russian is again expected to start in the final third of the pitch in the absence of Robin Van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.

The Torres Factor:- What kind of role could El Nino play?

Torres was a substitute in Liverpool’s midweek Champions League clash against Fiorentina. The Spanish marksman is tipped to start against the Gunners and manager Rafa Benitez will be hoping that the striker can produce a moment of genius similar to the one he conjured against Manchester United.

Liverpool form- Are the Reds in red hot form?

Unfortunately they aren’t. Liverpool have won just two of their last eight league games, and failed to break down a solid Blackburn Rovers side last weekend. Liverpool’s last five results ( oldest first), are as follows:-

Liverpool 2-2 Man City
Debrecen 0-1 Liverpool
Everton 0-2 Liverpool
Blackburn 0-0 Liverpool
Liverpool 1-2 Fiorentina

Players to watch out for :- Torres, Steven Gerrard, Yossi Benayoun

Are the Gunners firing on all cylinders?

Not quite. Apart from Van Persie and Bendtner, Arsene Wenger also has a long injury list with the likes of Johan Djorou, Kieran Gibbs, Gael Clichy and Tomas Rosicky in it. Wenger fielded a youthful squad against Olympiacos on Wednesday and the Greek giants won 1-0.

Players to watch out for:- Cesc Fabregas, Andrei Arshavin

Match verdict: Neither team’s defences have looked particularly good this season, but the match may be a little defensive as both want to avoid defeat. An early goal could result in an open game though.

Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal ( Torres, Kuyt/Arshavin, Fabregas)