Liverpool entertain Arsenal at Anfield as we edge ever closer to Christmas. This will be the last game before Christmas day and how both sides would love an early present; 3 points. Both of these sides haven’t had the best of seasons. However, Arsenal’s seems to be going considerably better than Liverpool’s.
Arsenal’s talisman this season; Alexis Sanchez, was a serious target for Liverpool and Brendan Rodgers in the summer. But, the Chilean chose north London instead and Arsenal. The former Barcelona forward has hit the ground running in his first Premier League season. Liverpool will have to be wary of Sanchez’s pace and flair on the counter attack and try not to allow him any shots on goal. Sanchez is clinical in front of the goal.
This fixture last season was a complete demolition from Liverpool. The reds went 4 goals to the good in as little as 20 minutes! The game was effectively over by then. The Arsenal side’s morale looked horrific and Liverpool were playing with superb confidence and speed going forward. The game ended with Liverpool coming out trumps; 5-1. I highly doubt we’ll have a repeat of that scoreline on Sunday.
Liverpool players in dreamland
(LiverpoolFC.TV)
Liverpool managed to get themselves a rare win in midweek. Brendan Rodgers will be thrilled with the result and the performance from his side, as they managed to bag themselves a semi-final showdown versus Chelsea.
Rodgers operated with a 3-4-2-1 for the second consecutive game and this time the formation flourished. The pace in the attack looked to have returned against Bournemouth and there were a load more chances created, it seemed. This is down to Raheem Sterling’s movement and speed as the lone striker. Mario Balotelli has to serve his one match ban handed to him after a controversial social media post. Rickie Lambert is available for selection, but if I was Brendan Rodgers, Sterling would be my choice. Hopefully the 20 year-old can replicate his last performance against Arsenal where he managed to get a brace. Sterling got himself a brace on Wednesday, so hopefully the goalscoring touch returns to the 20 year-old after a goal drought before the Bournemouth game.
Adam Lallana was one of Liverpool’s best players against Bournemouth. I really hope he’s named in the starting line-up, alongside Philippe Coutinho. The side benefits when these two are in the side due to the creativity they both have in their lockers. Lallana’s first-touch is tremendous and it’s so noticeable how effective it is when he is playing. Coutinho had one of his best Liverpool performances to date in this fixture, last season. Coutinho was unplayable that day. His agility, speed and final ball was spot on that day and Arsenal fans will be hoping the little Brazilian won’t be punishing their team again.
Lazar Markovic got himself his first Liverpool goal on Wednesday night. It was a sublime finish from the Serb. Markovic was playing as a left wing-back, an unfamiliar position and he was outstanding. His pace and passing had a huge impact on how the side played and the Bournemouth defence simply couldn’t cope with it. I hope Markovic starts again on Sunday, and I think he will. The other wing-back should be Jordan Henderson. Henderson had a good game, too, in midweek. His energy and ability covering that right-hand side is vital if the system is to work. He did brilliantly for Sterling’s first goal by getting himself in a terrific position and then keeping his composure and finding Sterling to put the side 1-0 up.
Steven Gerrard and Lucas started in the centre of midfield. They both did well, however, I think Emre Can should come in for Lucas. But it will most likely be the Brazilian with Gerrard.
Dejan Lovren suffered an injury against Bournemouth. Mamadou Sakho was Lovren’s replacement that night and the French international should be the left centre-back in the 3. Beside him should be Martin Skrtel and then Kolo Toure as the right centre-back.
Brad Jones shouldn’t but will start against Arsenal. Simon Mignolet, despite his heavy critics, is so much better than Brad Jones. However, Rodgers said that Mignolet will be dropped for an ‘indefinite’ period, so you’d think the Australian will remain in between the posts.
This is the side I’d go with to try and beat the Gunners:
(fanscorners.com/liverpool/squad-selector)
Bobby Vincent
Latest posts by Bobby Vincent (see all)
- Liverpool vs Newcastle United – Preview - April 12, 2015
- Blackburn Rovers vs Liverpool – Preview - April 8, 2015
- Arsenal vs Liverpool: Preview - April 3, 2015