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Arsenal vs Liverpool Preview: FA Cup fifth round
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Gunners come into the encounter at the back of two disastrous games in the Premier League, the 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Liverpool and the frustrating scoreless draw against Manchester United as their grip on the Premier League title is slipping away.
To add spice, Jose Mourinho has already labelled Arsene Wenger as the “Master of failures” as the Arsenal Boss is now without a piece of silverware for eight years running. Gunners’ fans believe that the FA Cup represents the club’s best chance of a trophy this season and end their calamitous drought now reaching almost a decade. Arsenal’s Champions League clash with current holders Bayern Munich is perhaps too tough a task and the results might be well know before the ball is kicked.
Liverpool however, fresh from their 3-2 comeback win against Fulham in the Premier League travel to the Emirates with renewed vigour and zeal and will be looking to get the better of the home team from the encounter. The Reds from Merseyside are currently 3 points points off Arsenal in the league and a win against Arsenal at Emirates would give a huge morale booster for the Reds. The Merseysiders will take inspiration from their 5-1 win over Arsenal two weeks ago, when the lively pace of the Reds blew away Arsenal scoring four goals in the opening 20 minutes blitzkrieg.
Team News
Vermaelen (knee), Ramsey (thigh), Kallstrom (back), Diaby, Walcott (knee) are all long term absentees while Cazorla is a doubt for the game as he is getting treatment for an illness. Flamini is back after a 3 match suspension.
Arsenal (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Gibbs; Arteta, Flamini; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilshere, Rosicky; Podolski.
For Liverpool, Coates, Enrique, Lucas (knee), Johnson (ankle/groin), Sakho (hamstring) are all out for the game. But they receive a massive boost in defence as Agger is set for a return.
Liverpool (Possible, 4-3-3): Jones; Flanagan, Skrtel, Agger, Cissokho; Henderson, Gerrard, Coutinho; Suárez, Sturridge, Sterling.
What to expect from the match
Arsene Wenger certainly has his minds made up to rest several of his key players, it will be Liverpool with their full strength side who will take the pitch as favourites. With Carl Jenkinson playing on the right back slot, expect Luis Suarez and Phillipe Coutinho to terrorize the young Gunner with their experience, raw pace and the skill to annihilate any opposition on their own. It for once will depend what each of the team’s midfield have on offer.
While Steven Gerrard will play dropping deep in his new role and Jordan Henderson given the license to protect the back four and distribute the play wide with array of passing along with Gerrard. Arsenal will cherish the return of Mathieu Flamini after bearing his three match suspension and will be integral to his side’s chances in the middle of the park. Liverpool will look to neutralize Arsenal’s midfield in the middle with their smart and quick wing play. The home side on the other hand needs to find the momentum early on and commit very few mistakes as possible, lest they will be overwhelmed yet again.
Predictions
Liverpool, after a long time go to the Emirates with their tails up and certain favourites tag to pile further misery on Arsene Wenger and his boys. The Suarez and Sturridge partnership will be difference once again as I feel Liverpool will clinch a close encounter by 2-1. But if Arsenal field a stronger squad, then it will be a different story.
Arsenal 1 – Liverpool 2
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