Liverpool vs Arsenal

Jack Wilshere could see some face time at Anfield

Arsene Wenger completed one very important order of business signing a three year contract that sees him continue as Arsenal coach till 2014.

He also believes that his coaching philosophy- catch them young, watch them grow has reached its limit with the present group of Gunners. This is the year they step up and deliver. Boys to men.

Just an hour away from the Liverpool game and here we are:

Arsenal is bare on defensive cover, especially at center. Thomas Vermaelen's partner is Laurent Koscielny, a greenhorn who is to be blooded in a trial by fire against Liverpool. His preferred partner, Johan Djourou with more experience of the Premiership has been out with a series of injuries for a year.

The goalkeeping conundrum that Arsenal was left with last season has not been resolved.

In fact, it is far worse because there appears to be a distinct perception that Wenger is playing a sort of holding game for the next few seasons allowing Wojciech Sczescny to mature further - we could see the same juggling act with Almunia, Fabianski and even Mannone.

Wenger could go in for a late signing which could be Mark Schwarzer who is desperate to leave Fulham. But the transfer fees are a sticking point.

We also have Cesc Fabregas and Robin Van Persie short of match fitness, so the midfield and the attack could be shorn of its two most potent players.

However having said that it will be tough to see Fabregas sit this one out completely. A 4-3-3 with Marouane Chamakh in the center flanked by Andrei Arshvin and Theo Walcott.

Samir Nasri playing attacking midfield could be flanked by Tomas Rosicky with Abou Diaby in the nominal holding role.

At the back it is Gael Clichy- Thomas Vermaelen- Laurent Koscielny- Bakary Sagna. Almunia will be in -punctuating the rock and a hard place analogies.

We could also see substantial minutes from Jack Wilshere and Jay Emmanuel Thomas.

So come on Gunners! Hopefully Arshavin who has made Anfield a happy hunting ground can rediscover his attacking prowess against a familiar foe.