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Fourth placed Liverpool will host leaders Arsenal in the Saturday fixture of the Barclays Premier League. Arsenal have shown an impressive form this season as they have scored total of 47 goals; third to Liverpool and Manchester City who have netted 58 and 68 times respectively. But, defensively they have been even much better conceding only 21 times; second only to Chelsea who have conceded 20 goals.
Arsenal’s title credentials will be tested severely by the rejuvenated Liverpool side. Both sides share a history of remarkable fixtures between them as last four encounters between them have yielded 8 goals. Last time when two sides met, Arsenal clinched 2-0 victory over Reds.
KEY PLAYERS: ARSENAL
1. SANTI CAZORLA
Santi Cazorla has been Arsenal’s deadly creative weapon since his arrival from Spain a year ago. He has created 33 chances for his team this season with 25 of them coming from open play. Further, he has scored 4 goals and has 3 assists to his name with a decent passing accuracy of 86%. He has also scored 2 times in his three matches against Reds. His strong ability of playing through balls has been very useful for the Gunners. Apart from it, he has also won 23 tackles and 22 interceptions this season. He is also well known for his Ambidextrous foot ability.
2. MESUT OZIL
Ozil is the player who has made a huge difference to this Arsenal side this season. His arrival in the summer has lifted the atmosphere of Gunners on and off the field. He makes this side gel together for most of the times. He already has 8 assists and 4 goals to his tally this season. Ozil has an immense passing success percentage of 88% along with 55 key passes this season. His vision is an excellent asset for Arsenal.
LIVERPOOL
1. DANIEL STURRIDGE
Sturridge has been the surprise package for Liverpool side this season. With 14 goals and 3 assists to his name already this season, Sturridge is in sublime form. His delicate touch finishes and strong dribbling have proved deadly for the opposition. He has been scoring a goal every 90 minutes on an average this season. Sturridge has created 15 chances from open play, thus offering Liverpool a creative asset as well. His partnership with Suarez has worked wonders for the Reds.
2. LUIS SUAREZ
There are no words to describe the fluent form of Suarez this season. He is already on the verge of breaking record of highest premier league scorer of the season with his 24 current goals. His creative work can be well illustrated in his 7 assists this season. Even in the absence of Gerrard and Sturridge, he led the attack for Reds unperturbed. He has 54 key passes to his name this season along with 55 successful dribbles.
FACT FILE:
1.In 11 games that Suarez and Sturridge have played together this season, the only team to stop scoring them is Arsenal.
2. Reds have only conceded eight goals at home this season.
3. Wojciech Szczesny has kept more clean sheets than anyother Goal Keeper with 11 this season.
4. Liverpool have won none of their last six fixtures against Arsenal at Anfield.
EXPECTED LINEUPS-
ARSENAL: Wojciech Szczesny, Barcary Sagna, Per Mertesacker, Laurent Koscielny, Kieran Gibbs, Mikel Arteta, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Tim Rosicky, Santi Cazorla, Olivier Giroud
FORMATION- 4-2-3-1
LIVERPOOL:
Simon Mignolet, Jon Flanagan, Martin Skrtel, Kolo Toure, Aly Cissokho, Steven Gerrard, Philippe Coutinho, Jordan Henderson, Daniel Sturridge, Luis Suarez, Raheem Sterling
FORMATION- 4-3-3
PREDICITION:
- Liverpool dropped further points in the race for a Champions League place on Sunday and will be looking to secure a win at the expense of Arsenal in Saturday’s early kick off.
- Liverpool have lost just the once at home this season, but Arsenal will be confident of coming away from Anfield with at least a point.
- Last time Arsenal faced Liverpool, Reds were outwitted by 2-0 score. Further, Arsenal’s impressive record at Anfield means the Gunners have every chance of getting three points which may prove pivotal in the three horse title race.
LIVERPOOL 1: 2 ARSENAL
