The hammer blow defeat for Liverpool against Manchester United has left them knowing that any more dropped points could be terminal in their quest for a Champions League berth this season.
Liverpool didn’t perform well against United but nor did they have any luck at all. It was just one of those days. Worse still, Liverpool fans then had to endure a two week hiatus to stew on the result as we were subjected to yet more international nonsense.
Thankfully, England don’t play again until June so we at least have an uninterrupted run in to the title and cup campaigns.
While Arsenal are in great shape their performance against Newcastle last time out (in which they barely clung on for victory) suggests that Liverpool can take something from this one – if they get back to their pre-United level of performance.
Martin Skrtel and Steven Gerrard are suspended. Jordan Ibe and Jon Flanagan remain sidelined for a couple more weeks. But there is hope of a recovery for the likes of Lallana and Lovren. And, after a horror show of a season, The Independent reports that Daniel Sturridge could make the team after his latest knock.
Sturridge has said that he will play through the pain barrier to be ready for Arsenal.
He’s not back to his best – only a run of games will bring his form back – but with Balotelli terminally off the boil, Sturridge will start if fit. With a shortage of numbers in defence Liverpool will hope that Dejan Lovren can return to the defence. Otherwise we may see a start for Kolo Toure.
And Liverpool need to take the game to Arsenal. Sneak a 1-0 lead and The Gunners can be contained. But Liverpool will need to be focused like never before if they are going to keep their Champions Legaue hopes alive begin this weekend.
Here’s our XI. Liverpool fans: discuss
