Arsenal vs Liverpool: I'll take a Draw

Happy Friday, and thank God we've made it to the weekend!

Well, one thing is for certain is that Arsenal will be playing an out-of-form Liverpool squad with a motley crew of our own. Admittedly, on paper it looks as if Arsenal is going to really suffer but with the news that both Capi and Traore will be fit we won't have to rely on untested youth. But to be fair, both Cruise and Bartley did a fairly good job versus a very hungry Olympiakos team so even if we find out that some of our "regular" back line is injured the two mentioned can slot in. And such a shame that Mr. Eboue Kablooie is out as it's these type of Northern, mudder affairs that fits him best - he can run around and around and around and pass to nobody and we'll still get a draw.

But first, and the only thing I can say about that mid-week Champions League match is that a lot of young players were exposed to a hostile environment, and the team got some good experience. I felt that both Merida and Ramsey had a solid go, but am most excited by Merida's progress. Merida has had less first-team opportunity and he looked on par with Ramsey. Right now both he and Ramsey are seeing diagonal runs well before they develop but are hesitating or making the pass a bit too late. Growing in confidence I can't help but think that we'll see their timing improve, and by season's end they will prove to be important first-team players. Of course, this is based on the assumption that our current run of injury continues...

And Jack? Well, he is Jack and he is 18-years-old. I worry about Jack because he is so short in stature and does not have much pace. For his size he likes to get stuck in on the tackle, which is nice to see but I still worry. I'll wait on any review of him as he is another who hasn't played much. Seems ages since we saw him do so well in pre-season, what, two years ago?

Theo's return was poor. Really poor. I think he has been protected long enough and really needs to step it up. Many will argue that his troubles come down to form, which I can't deny but i'm hoping that this isn't used as an excuse come Sunday. Technically, his first-touch, which is everything at this level was downright terrible. And let's be honest, Theo is never going to take on players and beat them with a slick pedalada, tornado-like spin, or nutmeg. Theo's threat is speed and right now that's all he has. I hope that we see something solid from him on Sunday; as in, keeping possession and improved decision making. Theo knows, and we know that if he continues his place in the England World Cup squad is in jeopardy so here's to hoping he's just experiencing some poor play at the moment.

Now, back to the Liverpool match. It's a must-win for all parties and it's any one's guess who will come out victors. I feel that the Arsenal simply have a better team than Liverpool and both Gerrard and Torres are out of sync at the moment. I think their lack of playing together is our greatest benefit. Of course, that Feivel-looking cunt Benayoun seems to pop up in these matches so he'll definitely need to be contained. Also, Maschereno is a complete nutter. I worry about any one of our delicate flowers out on the pitch and hope that if he gets stuck in on anyone that he sees the proper punishment. I feel like his time at Anfield is waning so who knows he may go out to injure and then fuck off to Real come January.

Apparently, the Arsenal is a one-man team and without RVP we are doomed! I say that a bit sarcastically but I've yet to see anyone step in and fill the void. If we rely on Vela and his left foot the best result we can hope for is a draw. Dudu will be a game-time decision but certainly he'll make the trip up North. Now, I wonder if we'll see some surprise inclusions like Sunu or Sanchez-Watt. I feel Sunu is the preferred hold-up player but likely won't get any time as he hasn't had any real first-team opportunities and I seriously doubt that chance will come at Anfield.

At the end of the day it will take a collective performance by the Arsenal. It certainly will help if Liverpool is out of sync and get out to a poor start, such as an early goal to the Arsenal. But like so many of these encounters I can't help but think that this has draw stamped all over it.

Worth mention is that I never know what kind of match Almunia is going to have, either. How much more of his inconsistent play can the team take? My angst is in his indecision and unwillingness, or fear to come out and challenge balls out of the air. Fabianski on the other hand runs out with reckless abandonment. It's night and day with these two and I'm not sure what method is good or bad anymore.

Anyway, I can't see where our goals are going to come from; I still don't get why our midfield doesn't shoot. Even a long range on-goal shot can cause deflections and tap-ins for any striker, something Donkeybayor made a living off of! If Ramsey gets some playing time we can be sure he'll at least look to shoot. Oh, and let's hope that Arshavin can repeat his four goal feat..or at least get one :D

Whatever the result may be the campaign is long and there will be many shock results from now till May. It's really close quarters and so many teams are suffering from injury that there will be points dropped and shared. All I want is for the Arsenal to work hard, act interested and if we win, so be it.

Keep it real, keep it Arsenal
ArsenaLOS