Many fans will still be cheering for their team, but only two days after they lifted the FA Cup trophy Arsenal will meet Liverpool in the Community Shield in London on Saturday. Kick-off is at half-past five o'clock.

The game itself will be of great interest to supporters who were glued to television screens throughout the festive period, while those who missed it will be sure to be looking forward to the Community Shield. Those who have been watching English football for a long time will probably know more about the match than most new fans. As a result, there are some important pre-match facts that you may want to know.

The first thing you need to know is how long Arsenal have been playing football. They have made the top four on four occasions, winning one and losing one, and have even reached the semi-final stages on one occasion, so they have some experience. However, it is a good thing that Arsenal have never beaten Liverpool, because if they do, the atmosphere in the stadium and in the rest of the country could be electric.

Both teams have a number of different options available to them as they try to beat out the other in this eagerly anticipated battle. Arsenal will have the much-fancied Santi Cazorla fit, while Liverpool will likely have the injured Luis Garcia available, especially considering his brilliant performance against Manchester United last weekend. However, both are missing key players and can ill afford to lose their starters again, especially if they are to win the match.

In fact, the two sides met at the Stadium of Light during the previous season, where Manchester United was humiliated 4-1 by a side containing a number of current and former England internationals including Fabio Capello. Although many expected this result, many didn't expect the level of quality which was exhibited against the Red Devils, as Arsenal have been unable to keep a lid on their talented opponents, despite being without the suspended Robert Pires.

For many fans it is likely that they will be looking forward to seeing another display of Liverpool's high pressing style, but as long as the likes of Glen Johnson, Luis Garcia and Lucas Leiva are fit, it is unlikely that their style of play will be broken in this match. However, the two centre-backs will be very important players for Arsenal, particularly in the absence of Lee Dixon and Jens Lehmann. and Glen Johnson has made some wonderful saves against Manchester United and has proved to be a decent back-up to Carl Jenkinson, especially when Stoke have hit the post with crosses. to put the ball past him.

The main difference between these two sides is in attack, where Liverpool have a few excellent talents who should have goals to go with their creativity, whilst Arsenal look better when they are playing in numbers. Wayne Rooney, Gerrard, and Fabian Delph are all capable of setting up goals for others, although the latter is probably the only player that can really deliver on a consistent basis. However, if they can keep the ball, it should be possible for them to cause some problems for the Gunners and put them under pressure.

However, if they are to win, then it will be vital for them to be fit, because there may not be a great option from their bench to replace them. It is also important for the Liverpudlians to get a good game under their belts before facing Manchester City, who has become famous for their counter attacks and scores from set-plays. The only thing that will stand between them and an upset victory is if referee Mike Dean has some decisions to make and has a bad day, which is almost guaranteed if there are some decisions to be made against them. With a game like this, you have to be extremely careful not to make a big mistake, otherwise, it could cost you the match and your place in the starting eleven.