Arsenal host Liverpool on Sunday for the second time in 8 days, this time in an FA Cup clash. Arsene Wenger will be hoping to get back to winning ways following a defeat and a draw against Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.
Liverpool are in fine form going into the last 16 clash, having not last tasted defeat since their defeat away at Chelsea in late December. Eight days previously the sides met in the biggest shock of the season as Liverpool put five past Arsenal – four in the first 20 minutes, in a 5-1 victory. With such a game surely strong in the memory of Wenger’s mind it’s assumed he will head a more cautious approach vs. Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners looked quite tentative in their draw against Manchester United on Wednesday, as Wenger admitted after the game that his team lacked confidence to push forward and seize a win. Arsenal have only lost twice at home since their humiliating defeat to Aston Villa in August, nevertheless, both defeats occurred in cup competitions.
Arsenal’s record vs. Liverpool in the FA Cup favours the Londoners, having won seven and losing five of 16 meetings between the sides.
Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla is a doubt for the clash while Flamini is set to return to the side after a three-game suspension. Vermaelen, Ramsey and Kaelstrom all remain unfit to play.
With regards to Liverpool Daniel Agger is set to return to the side following an injury layoff. The Dane’s return will be surely welcomed following Kolo Toure’s calamitous recent form. Brendan Rodgers confirmed on Friday that Sunday’s FA Cup clash will comes too soon for full-back Glen Johnson who this week returned to full training. Long term absentees Sakho, Enrique and Lucas remain unfit to feature. Youngster Joao Carlos Teixera will be hoping to build on his impressive cameo debut on Wednesday evening.
With Arsenal facing Bayern Munich midweek some changes are expected as Wenger may prioritise the Champions League while it’s expected Brendan Rodgers will only make one change in Daniel Agger for Kolo Toure.
Kick off is on Sunday at 2pm at The Emirates.
