Arsenal v Liverpool preview: Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson discuss deciding factors at the Emirates
Former Arsenal great Charlie Nicholas and Liverpool legend Phil Thompson dissect where Saturday's big game at the Emirates will be won and lost.
It's the big game of the weekend and Sporting Life got two club legends to pick the bones out of Arsenal v Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday evening...
Charlie Nicholas - Emery needs to adapt
“Some people look at it and say Liverpool could walk all over Arsenal and of course that is a possibility, but Arsenal are in a much better place than the last time they played Liverpool at the Emirates.
“We all know where the dangers lie with Liverpool’s front three and Arsenal’s troubles at the back.
“But if I’m reading Unai Emery right then I think he’ll have his back four and two holding midfielders and he’ll leave that six to try and cope with Liverpool. Arsenal will have to play a bit more defensively than they usually do at home, that’s just the reality of the situation right now.
“Manchester City did it at Anfield and Arsenal will have to adjust to it because they know if Liverpool score first it could be a comfortable afternoon for them.
“So they’ll have the six sitting back and just say to his front four of Aubameyang, Lacazette, Ozil and Ramsey, who personally I’d like to see play, you just go on and try and get us some goals while the rest try and defend.
Goals galore at the Emirates
“I can only see goals in this because Liverpool always try and attack you and that could be where Arsenal have some joy if those front four can get the ball high up the pitch. They’ll go a bit more back to front and get it forward quicker but that's no bad thing.
“I rave about this Liverpool team as they’re great to watch, they’ve got goals in them, they play the right way and now they’ve got great options, but it’s time for this Arsenal side to step up this season and see what they can do against a real title contender.
“I think we’re in for a great game – I’m obviously in love with Arsenal but I love watching Liverpool as well so it’s just one of those where you sit down and enjoy it.
“I think Arsenal will look at the Man City game and not want to be caught on the ball trying to play out from the back again so he’ll be saying to his defenders that if they’re under pressure then just send it long.
“You can’t make mistakes in those danger areas, especially against Liverpool, so I don’t think the manager will mind changing the game plan for this game – he strikes me as a manager who is adaptable and while his defence is still growing he can’t afford for them to get caught by the likes of Mane, Salah and Firmino.
“There’s genius in both teams in this game, but I think the first goal is absolutely crucial – it’s probably more crucial for Arsenal than it is for Liverpool as if they score first it could get ugly for Arsenal. I can't quite pick my team to win it but they've got enough in them to get a draw."
Charlie's verdict: Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool (Sky Bet odds: 11/1)
Phil Thompson - Gunners defence the issue
“The biggest thing in this game is the Arsenal defence trying to cope with Liverpool – they’re great going forward and I can see them scoring, especially with Aubameyang up there.
“The Liverpool defence is better and the strikers just look to be clicking into gear. I’ve seen Arsenal a few times this season and they’ve looked vulnerable, even in their last game against Crystal Palace.
“So the big question is if Arsenal’s defence is good enough to keep Liverpool from scoring, I very much doubt it.
“Both sides like to play out from the back but Liverpool’s players look a lot more comfortable doing it than Arsenal’s.
“I don’t think we’ll see Xhaka at left back again after last week, Emery might want to play him and go for it at home but you’d imagine Mo Salah would love going up against him down that side.
“You’ve got to take your hat off to Emery though – he’s got the focus right for the so-called easier games that they’ve had in this run – and now that’s put them into overdrive and given them huge confidence.
“Arsenal at times have been vulnerable in those easier games but Emery has really got them focused, but this is a different test altogether.
“Besides the first two fixtures they’ve had a relatively easy run over the last ten games or so, but when you have that in the Premier League you know you’ve got a hard run coming up.
“This is a huge game for them and although they’re impressive going forward I just can’t see them being able to contain Liverpool."
Thommo's verdict: Arsenal 1-2 Liverpool (Sky Bet odds: 8/1)
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