Arsenal
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Lineups, Team News, Tactics, Stats And Preview
Liverpool vs Arsenal
Feb 8, 2014 at 12.45pm (UK)
Anfield
Saturday’s blockbuster sees Arsenal travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a mouth watering clash at the top of the table. The Gunners are currently leading the charge at the zenith of the Premier League table and will look to roll on their juggernaut when the two teams walk out at the vociferous Anfield. Arsenal come into this clash after a routine win over Crystal Palace at home while Liverpool at the back of a disappointing draw against West Brom at the Hawthorns. The Reds should have won the encounter in which the Baggies provided very little but a horrendous give away from former Gunner Kolo Toure enabled Pepe Mel’s side to get a point.
However things will be a lot different when the two sides walk out at Anfield on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool have been quite sublime at home, scoring goals for fun, a 4-0 win in the Merseyside derby against Everton in their last home game. Arsenal too have been immaculate on their travels but the lack of wins against a top four side away from home will keep Arsene Wenger concerned.
What to expect from the encounter:
If the Gunners beat the Reds from Merseyside at the latter’s own den, Arsene Wenger’s boys will have a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table. Wenger would want history to continue between these two teams as it suggests that Liverpool have failed to beat Arsenal at Anfield in their last six meetings. I for one won’t be surprised if the Gunners do the double over the Reds but they need to stop the high flying SAS, the Suarez and Sturridge partnership and take advantage of the wary defence at the back to get full three points in their kitty.
Liverpool, however on the other hand, should make use of Mertesacker’s speed and make Suarez and Sterling run towards the towering German centre back. The Reds should also not sit back in midfield and invite pressure and look to make full use of the wings through Sterling and Coutinho on either sides.
Team News:
I had already done Arsenal’s strongest line up which sees Oxlade Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere staring along with Ozil, Cazorla and Arteta in midfield with Giroud up front. Arsenal have the best midfield in England and should look to make forays around Liverpool’s weakness at the back and shoot from distance as Simon Mingolet is not having the best run of games. Talking of Liverpool’s starting line up, Brendan Rodgers should get his think pad right rather than wait for things to happen. Liverpool should try to exploit both of the full backs tendency to roam out of positions while attacking and this can invigorate a sudden counter attack with real speed.
Possible starting lineups
Liverpool: Mignolet; Flanagan, Toure, Skrtel, Cissokho; Sterling, Gerrard, Henderson, Coutinho; Suarez, Sturridge
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Arteta, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Cazorla; Giroud
Match Facts:
- Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge have played 11 Barclays Premier League games together this season and the only team to stop them both scoring is Arsenal.
- Santi Cazorla has scored in two of his three Barclays Premier League appearances against Liverpool.
- Arsenal v Liverpool has seen five hat-tricks scored; the most trebles of any fixture in Premier League history.
- Liverpool have won just one of their last 13 Premier League games against Arsenal (W1 D7 L5) and none of the last six at Anfield (W0 D3 L3).
- Only Arsenal (6) have conceded fewer goals on home soil than Liverpool (8) this season in the Premier League.
- Wojciech Szczesny has kept more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League this season (11).
- If PL games ended at half-time, Liverpool would be top by one point. However, if PL games only included the second half, Liverpool would be 8th and 19 points off the top.
Stats compiled from uk.eurosport.yahoo.com
Predictions:
I think Arsenal are going to steal all three points at Anfield with Liverpool sure to concede, albeit a fragile defence. The home side though will surely score but perhaps it might go in vain.
Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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