Arsenal begin life without Cesc Fabregas on Saturday when they host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in what promises to be a thrilling match for neutrals.
What was shocking about Arsenal's 0-0 draw against Newcastle United last weekend wasn't that the Gunners dropped points but that they did so without conceding a goal. It is rare for Arsene Wenger's side to come up short in a match due to attacking, rather than defensive short-comings but that was the case at St. James Park.
Arsenal will have to be better this weekend, when they host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium but it is going to be exceptionally tough. Not only are they without Cesc Fabregas, who finally jumped ship for Barcelona this week, and Jack Wilshere, who is injured, but they will also have to do without the suspended Gervinho, following his sending off last weekend. With Samir Nasri also unlikely to play, it leaves the Gunners looking very short of options in attack for Saturday's match.
Liverpool, by contrast, have an embarrassment of riches up front at the moment. Luis Suarez (7/1,
Victor Chandler) looked razor sharp against Sunderland last weekend and although he missed a penalty the Uruguayan is a virtual certainty to score goals this season. His partner, Andy Carroll (15/2,
Victor Chandler) may not have made quite as big an impact so far at Anfield but he is a player who will relish playing against Arsenal's defence, which seems unable to cope with any tall, powerful strikers. The evr reliable Dirk Kuyt (19/2,
Victor Chandler) is also available, while the likes of Raul Meireles (16/1,
Victor Chandler), Charlie Adam (14/1,
Coral) and Stewart Downing (16/1,
Blue Square) provide a threat from midfield.
It is clear that Liverpool are better equipped for Saturday's match at the Emirates but will they be able to beat Arsenal, and reward those who back the visitors at odds of 9/4? (
Paddy Power)
The answer is yes. Arsenal look a bit of a mess at the moment and, despite their clean sheet at St. James Park, they are a shambles in defence. The return of Thomas Vermaelen is a boost but the Belgian cannot control what Laurent Koscielny decides to do at crosses, nor can he do anything about goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's inability to command his area. He is also not going to be able to prevent Adam, Meireles and Lucas from out-muscling Arsenal's midfielders in the centre of the park.
Against Newcastle the Gunners looked second best for large parts of the game and Newcastle are a team that many are tipping for relegation this season. Liverpool, who are a side expected to challenge for a Champions League place, may be able to have a field day against Wenger's beleagured troops.
Last season Arsenal lost their air of invincibility at the Emirates, losing to Newcastle, West Brom, Tottenham and Aston Villa. They won 11 of their 19 games in North London. This year, the way things are going, they will be lucky to reach double figures.
Recommendation
