Arsenal will travel to Liverpool this Sunday, hoping to kick off the new premier league season with a win. The Gunners, who finished third last season, have a tough opening fixture against a Liverpool side, who will be looking to prove doubters wrong after a disappointing season. Summer signing Laurent Koscielny is set to make his debut alongside temporary captain Thomas Vermaelen, in what could prove to be a baptism of fire for the young Frenchman. Morrocan Marouane Chamakh also seems set to make his Premier league debut.
In the corresponding fixture last season, Arsenal walked out 2-1 winners, with an own goal from Glen Johnson, and a superb strike from Andrei Arshavin. Arshavin could be pivotal in Arsenal’s gameplan, as the Russian has an impeccable scoring record at Anfield: 5 goals from 6 shots on target.
The gunners will most likely be without captain, Cesc Fabregas, and leading frontman Robin van Persie, who are both still lacking match fitness after late returns from the World cup. Other short-term absentees may include, Alex Song, Denilson, and Abou Diaby. Diaby and Denilson face late fitness tests, while it seems Song will miss out on Sunday, although his injury is not long term. Johan Djourou and Nicklas Bendtner will definitely miss out, but may return to training shortly, while Long term absentee Aaron Ramsey, will return no earlier than November according to Wenger. With all these injuries, along with debutantes Chamakh, and Koscielny, Wenger may also be forced to hand league debuts to Emmanuel Frimpong and Jack Wilshere hoping that the duo can continue their impressive preseason form.
Le Boss has yet to name his number one shot stopper, and has given no indication as to whom he will choose. He has openly stated that he is searching for a new number one, and has yet to give a vote of confidence to last season’s number one, Manuel Almunia. In such an important game, Wenger will know that one lapse in judgment could cost Arsenal the game, and so he will put a lot of thought into whom he names number one.
Arsenal will know that in order to silence critics, and prove that they will be serious contenders for the remainder season, a win against Liverpool will be the perfect remedy.
Opinion:
FINALLY the start of the new season. All the nerves of opening day, and against Liverpool too, there is no better way to start off the season. It’s going to be a tough game; most likely we’re going to be without our two best players in van Persie and Cesc. That means I’m expecting big things from Arshavin. I’ve got a feeling he may stick a few stunners past the Scousers. The Russian magician has had a good preseason, a preseason in which he’s shown a better work ethic than previous seasons. I hope Walcott can carry on his form from England’s friendly against Hungary. He was absolutely brilliant when he was on the pitch, showing how dangerous he can be on his day. However, I hope Stevie G doesn’t continue his hot run into Sunday’s fixture, because he single handedly dismantled and humbled the Hungarians. I’m a bit worried about the back four and goalkeeping situation. Koscielny is new and unproven; the lad has only had a year’s experience in Ligue 1 and to be honest that’s just…just not the Premier league. Is he going to be able to handle the likes of Cole, Kuyt, Gerrard, and Torres (presuming he’s fit, and not missing chances left, right and centre like he did for Spain)? Goalkeepers – can we just play without one? Manuel “can’t even get picked for England” Almunia, and Lucasz “flappyhandski” Fabianski, are not keepers that win you a title. Wenger needs to sort it out fast. Yes there are Mannone, and Wojech Szczesny, but they are inexperienced and far too young to be thrown in the deep end like this, even though secretly, I’d love to see Szczesny start.
It’s a tough start, but there is absolutely no better way to start the season, than to nick a win against Liverpool.
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