Today Liverpool meets Arsenal in what promises to be a pulsating encounter. Arsenal swallowed ‘Pool the last time they met in the Premiership. Both are now fighting for a third and fourth spot. The FA Cup is their best chance at getting some domestic silverware.
Arsenal will be minus the services of little maestro Cesc Fabregas through suspension. Strongman William Gallas and striker Adebayor are out with injuries. Liverpool are without Sissoko and Kewell.
The absence of Fabregas is a huge blow. As shown in the Reading match, when Fabregas came in Arsenal became a cohesive force. Rosicky is a more up and down player and vision is not a big part of his game. Arsenal had a hard time holding onto the ball with Rosicky in the lineup. Fabregas with his possession turns everyone into a potential striker.
Henry is back and with Van Persie played some great strikes against Charlton. But Liverpool is not Charlton. Baptista has been struggling to fit into the Arsenal attack and the big man looks almost too delicate in his handling of the ball. He really should provide more muscle to the attack. Toure is prone to the occasional lapse as seen against Reading. He cannot afford to do it this time with the speedy Kuyt and Bellamy on the prowl who love beating the offside trap. Gilberto will hold on letting Rosicky loose.
On paper Liverpool has a much more settled midfield with Luis Garcia, Alonso, and Gerrard. This encounter is going to be tight. Not having Fabregas might be the difference.