Can we do Wenger’s men, Reds?
With Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard suspended, and Arsenal in excellent form – there’s no doubt that we face an extremely difficult battle against the Gunners at the Emirates on Saturday lunchtime.
However, we’ve shown time and time again throughout the years that on our day, we can beat anybody.
Here’s five reasons we can do it on Saturday, too.
Lucas is back, fit and ready for the midfield battle of his life…
The Brazilian has been out of action since limping out of the Merseyside derby, but he trained throughout the international break – and will surely play a huge part from now until the end of the season. Lucas thrives during big matches, when defensive discipline is a midfield necessity. His performances in two direct battles against Nemanja Matic this season – in which he’s come out on top – prove this. The 28-year-old will provide us the base and tactical structure we’ll need at the Emirates. If he can stop Santi Cazorla from playing, and nip in with tackles and interceptions – one of our better passers can feed our rapid attackers ahead.
Arsenal’s 12:45 k.o curse, and Arsene Wenger’s Manager of the Month curse!
Ok… Bare with us. Arsenal have traditionally been absolutely woeful when kicking off at 12:45 – especially against big sides. Last term, we thrashed them at that time, as did Manchester City and Chelsea. Their last Premier League defeat this term – came against Spurs. They kicked off at 12:45. If one curse wasn’t enough, Arsene Wenger just collected the Premier League Manager of the Month curse – and it’s a well known fact that teams are dire immediately a coach collects this gong!
Arsenal’s possession style at home will maximise our ability to counter-attack…
At the Emirates – it would be a huge surprise to see Arsenal finish the 90 with less possession than us. They’ll look to pass us to death, and our wing-backs will be have to be especially defensively disciplined so that we’re not left short at the back. But our wing-backs (Alberto Moreno on the left, and either Raheem Sterling or Lazar Markovic on the right) have unbelievable pace – as do our forward players (Coutinho, Daniel Sturridge if it and Sterling if used in his natural position). This maximises our ability to counter-attack – which away from home against a very good side is probably the best way to play it. If Lucas, Jordan Henderson or Joe Allen (depending on who starts) can battle to win back possession, quick transitions could lead to chances.
Raheem Sterling will be completely desperate to prove his worth…
Regardless of your position in the Raheem Sterling contract saga, nobody will be able to deny that the 20-year-old has taken absolute pelters from literally millions of football supporters (including our own) since his ill-advised interview. What’s more, he’s been linked to Arsenal, which flattered him, he said. Provided he’s deployed in the front-three, Sterling has the ability and pace to torment Arsenal, and with the bit surely between his teeth – the stage is set for him to prove he’s worth more than the £100k-per-week he’s turned down.
This game means more to us than it does for Arsenal…
Let’s make no bones about it: if we lose, our chances of finishing in the top four are practically zero, with Manchester United almost certain to beat Aston Villa at home. The players and staff will be acutely aware of this. Arsenal though are in a less dangerous position. They’re probably too far behind Chelsea to think about the title, and they have a decent gap between themselves and fifth. This will be cut to three points if we win, but the Gunners would still be favourites for the top four.
