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#360fans: Arsenal vs Liverpool - UAE Supporters Club preview
Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Arsenal, each team’s UAE Supporters Clubs previews the game, including predicting the likely XIs and picking their players to watch.
Do you agree with the assessments of Arsenal UAE Supporters Club and the Dubai Reds? Let us know using #360fans on Twitter or commenting on the Sport360 Football Facebook page.
RICHARD D’CRUZE - ARSENAL UAE SUPPORTERS CLUB
The first major test of Arsenal’s title credentials comes when Liverpool roll into Emirates Stadium on Monday night. Brendan Rodgers’ side have started the season well with successive 1-0 wins, while Arsenal bounced back from losing to West Ham with a win at Palace – meaning both sides take momentum into this game.
Liverpool have not been successful at North London historically, winning just one of their last 12 meetings - a 2-0 victory in August 2011. But after heavily investing in the summer, the Reds could be a side to be reckoned with.
Over to Arsenal, where Petr Cech – whose signing from Chelsea was lauded by Arsenal fans worldwide – has had a horrid start, shipping in three goals so far, with the 33-year-old still to forge a real alliance with the defenders tasked with protecting him. Transition is always tough though and after spending the majority of last season on bench at Chelsea, it will take time for Cech to get back to the form that once made him the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Mesut Ozil was superb against Crystal Palace last week, providing a lovely assist for Olivier Giroud’s cracking volley, as well as creating five goal-scoring chances for his team-mates and completing a sensational 54 passes from 55 attempts.
In team news, Jack Wilshere, Danny Welbeck and Tomas Rosicky are still out with injuries.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
LIKELY ARSENAL XI: Cech, Gibbs, Koscielny, Mertesacker, Bellerin; Cazorla, Coquelin, Ozil; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez; Giroud
ARSENAL PLAYER TO WATCH: Alexis Sanchez. He may not be in full flight yet, but his display against Crystal Palace showed that even a half-fit Sanchez will always be a thorn in any opposition’s side. Expect him to dash forward with his pace and trickery to beat Liverpool’s defence.
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO FEAR: Phillipe Coutinho. Carrying over his incredible form from last season, Coutinho scored the match-winning goal against Stoke and caused havoc against Bournemouth. He’s the man to carry Liverpool forward after the departure of club legend Steven Gerrard.
FAVOURITE ARSENAL-LIVERPOOL MEMORY: scoring all four goals in a thrilling 4-4 encounter at Anfield in April 2009.
WHERE TO WATCH: Arsenal UAE’s Dubai branch gathers at Velocity Bar in JW Marquis, Business Bay. For Gunners in the capital, Harvester’s Bar in Holiday Inn is the official home of ArsenalUAE’s Abu Dhabi branch.
For more information on how to become a member please contact info@arsenaluae.com. You can also follow them on Facebook.com/ArsenalUAE and Twitter.com/AFCUAE
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DANIEL WATSON - DUBAI REDS
Liverpool go into the third game of the season on the back of two 1-0 wins against a Stoke side that always prove tough, and fearless, newly promoted Bournemouth. The performances in each game were somewhat reserved and at times disjointed. But the most important thing is to have six points on the board before travelling to the capital to meet Arsenal.
It’s the first “top end” clash for both sides of the season and our record at Arsenal is not a formidable one. In fact, Liverpool haven’t won there since 2011. That’s not to say getting a result is out of the question. Arsenal were beaten by West Ham on the opening day, silencing a few fans who were suggesting Arsene Wenger’s men were one of the favourites for the title, though they made amends against Palace in the following game.
Liverpool need to keep the solid shape from the opening two games, but more of a cutting edge is required. This could be the game for Roberto Firmino to make his first start; the prospect of him and Philippe Coutinho working together to provide Benteke is as exciting as it gets and there is sure to be a spark.
Skipper Jordan Henderson is a doubt being subbed off last week but Emre Can will step in if he fails to regain fitness in time. After a promising pre season, Adam Lallana has had a slow start and it’s possible he will be dropped to the bench, with Firmino taking a starting spot. The back four is likely to remain the same.
This fixture has more often than not been an exciting one, with more hat-tricks scored in Arsenal-Liverpool matches than any other fixture in Premier League history. That said, a goal fest this weekend appears unlikely on the sides’ current form.
LIKELY LIVERPOOL XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Skrtel, Lovren, Gomez; Milner, Can, Coutinho; Firmino, Ibe; Benteke
LIVERPOOL PLAYER TO WATCH: Philippe Coutinho. The Brazilian wizard has come of age over the past year and is now capable of single-handedly pulling something out of the bag to win games. He doesn’t need much space to unleash a deadly strike and has the ability to land the decisive blow.
ARSENAL PLAYER TO FEAR: Alexis Sanchez. It’s no secret that Sanchez was top of Liverpool’s shopping list a couple of summers ago and it would have been great to sign him. Dangerous in all aspects of his game, it’s vital that Liverpool cut out his time on the ball as much as possible, though his tireless running off it is still likely to be a nuisance.
PREDICTION: Arsenal 0-1 Liverpool – No-one would complain if we came away with a draw, but who plays for a draw?! Let’s go for a narrow win, with Benteke scoring his second of the season.
FAVOURITE ARSENAL-LIVERPOOL MEMORY: The 2001 FA Cup final in Cardiff. We didn’t perform well and Arsenal scored with 20 minutes to go but up stepped Michael Owen with two late goals. The winning goal was an amazing example of direct running and was Owen at his best, I’ll never forget it. Sami Hyppia has to get a mention too after three goal-line clearances!
WHERE TO WATCH: Liverpool fans should join us in Goodfellas bar, Ramee Rose hotel, Tecom. Despite the late kick off, a good turnout is expected. Please check www.dubaireds.com for further info about the supporters club.
