Arsenal vs Liverpool | 20th August | 12.45 BST

by Nishankly Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:20 pm

#LFC will face an Arsenal side with only three days of rest and without Gervinho, Song, Wilshere, Diaby, Eboue, Nasri and Fabregas.

Shocked

Players unavailable - Gerrard.
No idea - Aurelio and Glen.
Doubt - Suarez.

I really hope Glen can make it. Neutral

by Art Morte Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:24 pm

Why's Suarez a doubt?

Gotta say there probably won't be a better time this season to visit the Emirates.

by BeautifulGame Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:27 pm

Isnt this fixture always nailed on for a draw? I cant remember the last time we won against Arsenal.Its always a draw.Hopefully this trend will change this week.

by Guest Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:35 pm

The last time we beat Arsenal away was 2000-2001 if I ain't mistaken.

But yea, this is indeed the best time to go there, especially if they struggle to seal the tie against Udinese tomorrow

by Nishankly Mon Aug 15, 2011 5:48 pm

Apparently Wilshere is making it .. Neutral

by Art Morte Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:21 pm

They'll prob try to appeal Gervinho's red, too.
Nasri is still at the club, who knows...

But not that I really mind. Bring it on, whoever plays.

by Guest Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:28 pm

Nasri won't play especially considering his recent tweet. Really doubt Gervinho's card will be appealed as well. I expect them to line up like:

Szynzynynyzyy
Sagna-Kos-Vermaelen-Gibbs
Wilshere-Frimpong
Walcott-Ramsey-Arshavin
RVP

Certainly not as strong as previous Arsenal teams we've faced lately..

I will play the same line up as Sunderland with 2 changes:
Kelly for Flanagan
Kuyt for Henderson

Also...I am considering bringing Spearing in for Adam...not sure about that one. Jay was excellent agaisnt Arsenal in April

by Art Morte Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:48 pm

I really hope that Jay will get a start sometime in the autumn, he deserves it.

I thought Nasri wrote something like "I was disappointed at the fans booing me because I'm still an Arsenal player" in his twitter today? It doesn't have to mean anything but makes you wonder...

I'd give Henderson another start and Kuyt could be a very good substitute, he's probably more of a game-changer than Henderson.

by Nishankly Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:55 pm

I agree with Sepi.
Kelly and Kuyt in for Flano and Hendo.

Some more news on Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger will be watching the game from the stands as he is suspended for this 1st leg, as are Robin Van Persie and Samir Nasri. Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby are injured. Tomas Rosicky will have a late fitness test on his groin but should be fit. Manuel Almunia, Nicklas Bendtner, Carlos Vela and Emmanuel Eboue are negotiating transfers or loans with other clubs so will not be included.

Gervinho won't play. The minimum they can reduce the appeal is 1 match, This means he is sure to miss Liverpool. Also they Udinese at Emrates so fatigue problems will be less, due to less traveling.

Whatever teams come's forward i expect a stern test.

Any news about Glen?

by iftikhar Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:26 pm

Do you guys know what's the deal with Aqua!!! If he is eligible, I would want him to start. Last season Suarez usually started on the RW, so I would have him there with Downing on LW & Aqua in the 'hole'.

If that's not an option, then I would opt for Kuyt as SS with Suarez & Downing in wide-areas.

In RB!!! If Glen is not available then Kelly (but he was poor in friendlies).

by Fahim89 Mon Aug 15, 2011 7:29 pm

I agree with Kelly & Kuyt they should be starting . .plus i would add that Aqua should be on the bench if not considered for sale . .because i feel he brings that little bit of creativity that would really be influential off the bench Very Happy

by BeautifulGame Tue Aug 16, 2011 2:34 am

I would start Meireles ahead of Henderson and Kuyt.We need a 5 man midfield against Arsenal to get the better of them.Playing 4-4-2 will be risky at Emirates imo.I would expect Johnson to be fit considering he was in contention for Sunderland match and faced late fitness test.

by Arquitecto Tue Aug 16, 2011 2:42 am

My ideal formation for the game.

4-3-1-2:

Doni
Kelly-Carra-Agger-Jose
Adam-Lucas-Downing
Meireles
Suarez-Carroll

Despite my liking for Arsenal, I truly want Liverpool to destroy them this time as I cannot remember the last time when we beat them as despite the fact that Gervinho is out for them, Nasri and Wilshere will be starting as this will be tough.

by stevieg8 Tue Aug 16, 2011 3:33 am

Arquitecto wrote:My ideal formation for the game.

4-3-1-2:

Doni
Kelly-Carra-Agger-Jose
Adam-Lucas-Downing
Meireles
Suarez-Carroll

Despite my liking for Arsenal, I truly want Liverpool to destroy them this time as I cannot remember the last time when we beat them as despite the fact that Gervinho is out for them, Nasri and Wilshere will be starting as this will be tough.

unless i missed something, why is doni starting over reina??

by poolsupporter Tue Aug 16, 2011 4:12 am

I'd go for a traditional 4-2-3-1

Reina
Kelly/Johnson-Carra-Agger-Enrique
Lucas-Adam
Suarez-Meireles-Downing
Carroll

I'm still contemplating whether that midfield formation could handle the defensive duties required.

Henderson - Definitely like his ability to give a 100% and keep running. However, he did make a few careless passes once he began to tire on Saturday. I feel that's the kind of thing we cannot afford to do against Arsenal. We need to keep possession and play good flowing game.

by mr-r34 Tue Aug 16, 2011 4:29 am

poolsupporter wrote:I'd go for a traditional 4-2-3-1

Reina
Kelly/Johnson-Carra-Agger-Enrique
Lucas-Adam
Suarez-Meireles-Downing
Carroll

I'm still contemplating whether that midfield formation could handle the defensive duties required.

Henderson - Definitely like his ability to give a 100% and keep running. However, he did make a few careless passes once he began to tire on Saturday. I feel that's the kind of thing we cannot afford to do against Arsenal. We need to keep possession and play good flowing game.

Im liking this formation

Add Doni aqua spearing flano ngog henderson skertel as our bench.

by BeautifulGame Tue Aug 16, 2011 4:43 am

Song suspension confirmed too and Gervinho is also confirmed to suspend for our match since Arsenal only appealing against 3 match suspension.

Arsenal do not dispute Gervinho's red card and they have not appealed against it but against the punishment, a three-game ban, which they feel is too severe for what was a petty slap. They will point out that Barton has admitted overreacting. As they are not appealing against the decision, there is little chance of Gervinho being suspended for an extra match for making a frivolous appeal.

Song's stamp was not spotted by the referee Peter Walton and, as such, the path was cleared for the FA to deal with the player retrospectively. Arsenal have accepted the punishment, which begins with Liverpool's visit to the Emirates on Saturday. Song will also miss the Premier League matches at Manchester United and at home to Swansea City.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/15/arsenal-alex-song-gervinho-bans

by Red Alert Tue Aug 16, 2011 7:12 am

No Song, no Cesc, no Nasri and no Gervinho.

Great time to vs them, especially with their midweek game against Udinese.

Aquilani please play. Sad

Suarez for super sub. Afro

by Art Morte Tue Aug 16, 2011 8:16 am

I wonder are we going to see that 3 CB formation this season?

....................Reina....................
.......Soto.......Carra.......Agger.....
Kelly...............................Enrique
Henderson......Lucas........Downing
...................Suarez..................
...................Carroll.............. Thumbs up

Realistically though, I'm expecting us to start the same as against Sunderland, with Flanagan replaced with Kelly or Johnson.

by Arquitecto Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:26 pm

stevieg8 wrote:
Arquitecto wrote:My ideal formation for the game.

4-3-1-2:

Doni
Kelly-Carra-Agger-Jose
Adam-Lucas-Downing
Meireles
Suarez-Carroll

Despite my liking for Arsenal, I truly want Liverpool to destroy them this time as I cannot remember the last time when we beat them as despite the fact that Gervinho is out for them, Nasri and Wilshere will be starting as this will be tough.

unless i missed something, why is doni starting over reina??

Cause Doni is simply better then Reina.

by Nishankly Tue Aug 16, 2011 12:53 pm

Arquitecto wrote:
stevieg8 wrote:
Arquitecto wrote:My ideal formation for the game.

4-3-1-2:

Doni
Kelly-Carra-Agger-Jose
Adam-Lucas-Downing
Meireles
Suarez-Carroll

Despite my liking for Arsenal, I truly want Liverpool to destroy them this time as I cannot remember the last time when we beat them as despite the fact that Gervinho is out for them, Nasri and Wilshere will be starting as this will be tough.

unless i missed something, why is doni starting over reina??

Cause Doni is simply better then Reina.

Arsenal vs Liverpool | 20th August | 12.45 BST Lawl-y-u-want-me-to-make-meme

by Guest Tue Aug 16, 2011 9:50 pm

Arq has been hacked Laughing

Bad new is, Martin Atkinson is the referee.

Remember last season's game @ WBA? that Olsson abused Carroll and kicked the shit outta him, but Atkinson didn't give a SINGLE freekick in Andy's way and almost sent him off ?

Wondering about the odds for Carroll red card on sat

by Nishankly Wed Aug 17, 2011 2:17 am

Injury update: Gibbs and Djourou pull hamstrings.

by Red Alert Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:38 am

Djourou is a big out for them.

by Fahim89 Wed Aug 17, 2011 6:47 am

Now i am starting to wonder if they would have a full squad or not! ! :O

might call off the game Razz

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