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.
0 Comments