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Liverpool fans will have mixed emotions after this match, no matter what the result is. A win for the Merseysiders will virtually hand the 19th Premiership title to Manchester United, a loss will damage their faint hopes for Europe and a draw will help nobody. While the fans may harbour such feelings, there is no doubt that both teams will be giving a 100% for 3 points. Sir Alex Ferguson has tried to find conspiracies such as this in the past – accusing Liverpool of wanting to throw a decisive match against title chasers Newcastle in 1995-96. But on all occasions, including the one in ’96, there was no evidence of any such intention. Right, so lets have a look at the two teams.
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Another make or break game for Arsenal. Anything short of 3 points and Man United will have will one hand on the Premier League crown. There is also the very real danger of losing 2nd place to Chelsea. The good news for the Gunners is that Sczezny and Djourou are likely to return from injuries and start. This will be a near full strength Arsenal line up with Walcott and Arshavin starting. These two have caused a lot of trouble for Liverpool over the past few seasons.
How Arsenal can win it
In the absence of Gerrard, Arsenal will look to boss the midfield. The pace of Walcott might prove to be the decisive factor in the match, as Liverpool have often struggled against the fast moving winger in the past. As always, the Reds will be wary of the little Russian who always seems to find the back of Liverpool’s net whenever the two sides meet. At the back, Szcz?sny and Djourou should provide more stability than Lehmann/Squillaci.
Injuries: Almunia, Vermaelen, Song, Denilson
Liverpool
Been there, done that: Andy Carrol knows how to beat Arsenal
On a massive high after beating Manchester City, the Reds will be keen to maintain their wining run. The title race will not be on their minds as they look to chase an improbable, but not impossible 4th place finish. Andy Carroll has already won at the Emirates this season with Newcastle, and Arsenal will again find his aerial presence to be a real threat.
How Liverpool can win it
Andy Carrol and set pieces. This is all they need really. Unsettle the Arsenal defence, win corners, free kicks and get Carrol in the box. Dalglish must ensure that Sczezny is tested thoroughly early on in the game. The keeper hasn’t had a game for a while and has just recovered from a finger injury. Miereles will have to be at his best today, in the absence of Gerrard, he will have all the responsibility of supplying Suarez and Carrol. The absence of Alex Song might prove crucial here.
Injuries: Gerrard (out for season), Johnson, Kelly, Agger
Probable Line-ups
Arsenal (WDDDW)
Szcz?sny; Sagna, Djourou, Koscielny, Clichy; Fabregas, Wilshere Nasri; Walcott, van Persie, Arshavin.
Liverpool (LWWLW)
Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Kyrgiakos, Wilson, Lucas, Spearing, Meireles, Kuyt, Carroll, Suarez.Last Meeting: 1-1 Draw at Anfield on the opening day of the season.
Verdict: The last few encounters between these two sides have been scrappy affairs. Its difficult to predict. So, a safe bet would be a narrow win for the home side.
Authors prediction: 1-0 to Arsenal
