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It’s been a week since Arsenal were thumped 5-1 at Anfield, and eight days later they have a chance to take revenge on their title rivals in the FA Cup. With the Gunners suffering a trophy drought, they will be keen to advance to the quarter finals with a win on Sunday. Brendan Rogers knows how to beat Arsenal, but how can Arsene Wenger set up his team to formulate a different result at the weekend?
Keiran Gibbs returned to the starting line up against Man Utd in midweek, and he should keep his place ahead of Monreal. Doing so would help Arsenal deal with the threat of Sterling more effectively than Monreal managed last week. Gibbs has extra pace and is in better form. Gibbs has had a prolonged break from the starting eleven, and now seems a good time to bring him back in as a regular.
Arsenal stats
Mikel Arteta and Jack Wilshere looked lost against Liverpool last week and were easily overrun in the middle of the park. Switching that duo with a fresher Chamberlain and Flamini would be an alternative. Chamberlain has shown his ability in the box-to-box role, whilst Flamini has been suspended for the last three games, leaving him fresh and ready to go.
The duo would have a point to prove, and know if they play well enough, can secure first team places in those roles, certainly until Ramsey returns. Arsenal need something new in the centre of midfield, and dropping the duo that performed so poorly against Liverpool last week would be sensible.
Bendtner Conversion Rate
Niklas Bendtner should replace Olivier Giroud. There is a sentence many thought they would never read. Giroud looks worryingly jaded, and Arsene’s refusal to invest in January looks more bemusing. The Frenchman has looked poor in his last two outings and despite his critics; Bendtner has provided a few good performances as the main striker this season. He scored vital winners against Hull and Cardiff to keep the Gunners in the title hunt. His hold up play is sometimes very impressive, and he has a point to prove, especially with Sanogo now another option for the Gunners.
Podolski Shot Accuracy
Podolski or Gnabry should come in out wide in Cazorla’s absence. The Gunners need a bit more directness on the wing, something both Germans can provide. They are both capable of scoring or creating goals, something Arsenal have struggled for recently.
Lastly, and probably most importantly, the Arsenal team need to be more alert from the first whistle. They have the quality to deal with Liverpool’s attack, as shown earlier in the season when they won 2-0 at the Emirates. Liverpool’s quick start stunned the Gunners last week, and 20 minutes in, they had already lost the game. As much as the right line-up is essential, Arsenal need to be focussed for the full 90 minutes and have the belief that they can win the game.
