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Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal
Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal
Like Arsene Wenger said in midweek, the last test for his young side is the challenge of playing against the top four. Arsenal are unbeaten this season, and Liverpool are on a run of a couple of bad games. The return of Torres could spark life back into the Anfield side.
This match brings together the last of the Premiership's unbeaten sides, and Arsenal's first match against one of the 'big four'.
Striker Torres is fit again following a thigh injury, while midfielder Alonso was in the squad last time but may play today.
Philippe Senderos and Robin van Persie are missing for the Gunners, and Eduardo and Theo Walcott are vying for a starting place alongside Adebayor.
Wenger: time to prove
"At the start of the year, people said our young team would not go far.
"But now they are saying we have to prove ourselves against the big teams.
"I feel we have the confidence and the belief now. I thought we were good enough to do this well, but then I am crazy enough to believe that."
Benitez: we must work hard
"When you have had a few problems, the motivation of the side to change the situation is strong.
"The only way is to work, and work hard. That is the way to handle this sort of pressure.
"As a manager you must keep going, doing the right things. You know that will change things for the better."
Teams
Liverpool (from): Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia, Riise, Arbeloa, Gerrard, Alonso, Mascherano, Babel, Benayoun, Crouch, Kuyt, Torres, Voronin, Itandje, Lucas, Hobbs.
Arsenal (from): Almunia, Lehmann, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Hleb, Fabregas, Flamini, Diaby, Adebayor, Eduardo, Eboue, Walcott, Gilberto, Rosicky, Bendtner, Denilson.
Eyefootball Premiership Predictor
Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Arsenal could come to this game with a defensive attitude, knowing they have their 100 percent record to protect and the match being their first against one of the big few. Nevertheless, this looks set to be an exciting battle - and Arsenal must keep a close eye on Torres if they are to get anything out of this one.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw
Goalscorer: Torres/Adebayor
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