Liverpool Visit Arsenal with Fifth Place in Mind

Almost two years to the day since their 4-4 classic, second place Arsenal and sixth placed Liverpool meet in the Premier League again in what could be another potential classic encounter.

The eight-goal thriller from 2009, highlighted by four fantastic goals by Andrei Arshavin, denied Liverpool a chance to challenge rivals Manchester United for the title, ultimately finishing four points behind Sir Alex Fergusons team.

The Reds have not recorded a victory when visiting Arsenal for a decade, but current interim manager Kenny Dalglish is only focused on the future for his team.

“It doesn't matter what the history is,” Dalglish emphasised during his press conference this week.

“It only matters what happens on the day.”

His Liverpool side have no new injury worries after comfortably beating Manchester City 3-0 on Monday night. Teenage right-back John Flanagan was praised by his manager after the game, and the young Liverpool-born defender is expected to keep his place in the side for the game at the Emirates.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger knows a win is necessary to keep the pace with first-placed Manchester United. Should they lose to the Merseyside club this weekend, they would find themselves seven points behind the Manchester club with just six games left of the season.

Despite having Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny back in training after dislocating his finger a fortnight ago, Arsenal are still missing numerous first team regulars. Vermaelen (Achilles) is unlikely to play again this season, whilst Alex Song (knee) and Denilson (toe) are unlikely to feature. The Gunners may, however, be boosted by the return of Johan Djourou and Bacary Sagna.

Arsenal still have to welcome Manchester United to London for a fixture which could go a long way to deciding the race for the League title. The game will be Arsenal’s first since American Stan Kroenke secured a controlling stake in the club.

They are the only Premier League team who are unbeaten in 2011.

Form
All Competitions:

Arsenal: LLDDW (6 goals for, 8 against)
Liverpool: LDWLW (6 goals for, 3 against)

Premier League:

Arsenal: WDDDW (6 goals for, 3 against)
Liverpool: LWWLW (10 goals for, 6 against)

Premier League 09/10:

Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool

Premier League 10/11:

Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal