The excitement is increasing with each passing minute as we inch closer to the game against Liverpool, but as it is with all the big games Arsenal play there is a tinge of fear on the back of the mind.
In the past few seasons we struggled against the big teams even when we posses a better team than the opposition and this season has been no different. We played 3 big games against Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United in the league so far, but failed to win any of them.
Now its time for Liverpool and we go into the game as big time favorites, but we cannot take the Anfield side easily. The last time we made the travel to Anfield we were in a strong position in the league, only to be blown away in the opening 20 minutes by Suarez and co. However, I don’t see the same thing happening time around with the Kop lacking the fire power they had last season.
The game might not be as interesting as those against United, City and Chelsea in recent times, but it still holds stands amongst the greatest encounters for me. Inspite of the 5-1 result there last season we still hold a very good record at the Anfield in recent seasons.
We won 2-0 the season before with goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla and the season before that we won 2-1 when Robin Van Persie scored a dramatic winner with only minutes remaining. We have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 1 in the last 6 visits which is just great.
Both teams have had mixed fortunes so far this season, but the Gunners seem to have the advantage going into the game with their form on the upside with back to back wins against Galatasaray and Newcastle United. However Liverpool are on the downside as they drew FC Basel and Ludo Razgd in the Champions League and lost heavily to Manchester United in their last league game.
Sanchez will be the key to the game and if he can find his feet early on then the Gunners will definitely on the top from the go. Chamberlain’s pace will be important, if we are to get behind the opposition defence. We need to make our domination count and if we can find an early goal then it will be definitely be hard for Rodger’s men to come back.
Our defence will have to be solid and prevent Sterling from getting past the back line. He will definitely cause us big problems if we allow him to do so. It will certainly be a tough game and if we can manage to get all three points from the game then it will mean that we have truly kick started our season.
I expect plenty of goals from the game. My prediction would be 3-1 in favour of Arsenal with Sanchez scoring at least one of them.
