Sunday, August 15, 2010

Match Preview: Liverpool vs. Arsenal

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield in the stand-out game of the opening weekend of the Premier League.

New Reds boss Roy Hodgson will be hoping to set down a marker against Arsenal as he prepares for his first Premier League game in charge of Liverpool.

Both sides will be hoping to show their title credentials on Merseyside as they look to challenge the top two of Chelsea and Manchester United.

Arsenal secured the double over Liverpool last season and the Londoners will be seeking to extend their recent good record against the Reds.

Liverpool is likely to be without star striker Fernando Torres despite the Spain international making good progress following a groin injury.

It means David Ngog or Dirk Kuyt are expected to start in attack for the home side with Joe Cole, who was linked with a move to Arsenal, set to play in a supporting role behind the front man.

Fellow new signing Milan Jovanovic is also set to get the nod in Roy Hodgson's starting XI after impressing in pre-season.

Recent arrival Christian Poulsen is pushing for a place in the side following his arrival from Juventus earlier this week, but he is set to content himself with a place on the bench.

Unsettled midfielder Javier Mascherano could start despite being linked with a move away from Anfield.

Pepe Reina will start in goal despite suffering from a minor shoulder injury, with Glen Johson, Jamie Carragher and Martin Skrtel in defence.

Hodgson's biggest decision is who to start at left-back with Emiliano Insua or Fabio Aurelio unlikely to be used.

Daniel Agger could be employed at full-back or youngster Martin Kelly could start there after impressing in the Europa League in that role.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger must decide whether to select Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas in his squad following their late returns from the World Cup.

The Gunners are definitely without injured duo Nicklas Bendtner and Johan Djourou, while Denilson, Alex Song and Abou Diaby face late fitness tests.

If the trio are ruled out Jack Wilshere fresh from making his England debut in midweek could start in midfield.

Summer signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny are both expected to make their debuts.

Aaron Ramsey, who is set to return to action in November, remains a long-term absentee for Arsenal.

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