This is a massive game in any season, but in this particular match Liverpool's need is much bigger than Arsenal's.
Liverpool have to win every game between now and the end of the season if they want to win the title. Manchester United have got to drop points in two games to let Liverpool in and even though they are not playing great, I can't see that happening.
Alonso: could be key
It seems to have gotten personal between Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson and I think Fergie wants to win the league, almost to make sure Benitez doesn't win it. He left his big guns out of an FA Cup semi-final against one of the better teams in the league - that suggests he wants to make absolutely sure he wins the league.
Liverpool will be coming into this game fresh and I can't see them having any hangovers from their Champions League exit. If they play like they did against Chelsea then they'll be great to watch between now and the end of the season.
It seems to have gotten personal between Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson and I think Fergie wants to win the league, almost to make sure Benitez doesn't win it.
Paul Merson
Quotes of the week
Liverpool v Arsenal
7.30pm, Tue, Sky Sports 1 & HD1
When they play like that they are as good as anybody. It's a shame that they have been more worried about avoiding defeat on too many occasions in the last couple of seasons.
They've got the players to go for it when they really need to and even though Steven Gerrard is injured I think they will beat Arsenal by taking the game to them.
Throttle
I don't think Arsenal will be at full throttle. They are definitely going to get fourth now that Aston Villa have fallen away and I think the FA Cup defeat will have taken a lot out of them.
They've got a Champions League semi-final coming up - and they don't come along too often - so I can't see them being a full pelt in this match. It'd be different if they had anything to play for in the league, but I don't think they do. Villa would need to win five games in a row - and they haven't won any of their last 11 - so Arsenal have no worries.
Maybe if things were touch and go in the league either Robin van Persie or Emmanuel Adebayor would feature in this game, but they will be left out with the Champions League in mind. Without those two I can't see them scoring enough goals to worry Liverpool.
I also fear for Arsenal at the other end. Lukasz Fabianski is a good shot-stopper, but his decision making is absolutely terrible. He's a number two goalkeeper and it's hard to ask him to play in big games such as these.
On Saturday I was more concerned with the defenders in front of him. Why was Mikael Silvestre left one-on-one with Didier Drogba? That should have been Kolo Toure's job - and I think Liverpool could exploit some of those problems.
Liverpool are fresh. Arsenal are coming into this after a big disappointment that will have taken a lot out of them. I can't see anything but a home win.
PAUL'S PREDICTION
Home win - Liverpool will win this 3-1. Arsenal have got big players missing and Liverpool are a very good side. If they are as rampant as they have been recently I don't see anything but a Liverpool win.
MERSON'S MAGIC MAN
Xabi Alonso - I was talking to Phil Thompson the other day and I was saying I didn't realise how good this guy was. His passing is as good as anybody's in the Premier League, he has the ability to open people up. That's why he could be the main man on Tuesday and for the rest of the season.
Comments (55)
Micko Reddevil (Manchester United fan) says...
well done to both teams tonight obviously happy with result personally, but as a football fan even happier, great game premier league rocks
Posted 22:31 21st April 2009
Andrew Dicomites (Arsenal fan) says...
The team selection of Arsene for the FA Cup semi final indicated to me that he wanted to protect key players. Why did he not play Song and Nasri after their very effective Champions league outing a few days before? He also did not risk worsening niggling injuries to Van Persie and Adebeyor by substituting them at a key point in the game. Therefore Arsene's priority is certainly the Champions League. He will also get the points to cement 4th from easier games that are coming up. Therefore I can see Liverpool winning this game. Arsenal's priorities are now elsewhere. Liverpool have no option but to win this one.
Posted 19:32 21st April 2009
Mark Oconnor (Liverpool fan) says...
reading these comments has urged me to throw my hat in, just to start Arsenal are a fantastic football team and more than capable of beating us tonight, but what really makes me laugh is the comments made by the fans of the second team in manchester stating things like liverpool will finnish 4th and the so called freak result at the trafford centre! people should of learned that throwing abuse at the anfield faithful has 1 result, as we have showed in the last couple of months we can destroy the best teams in the world home or away and all i want is to see good football so that old scottish fella can say and play as much as he likes because everyone see's right threw his comments, while liverpool play with no fear the trafford boys are bricklaying..... and ZEUS what a load of rubbish you talk you glory boy
Posted 17:55 21st April 2009
Aaron Harris (Chelsea fan) says...
i agree with mers on this one again. Hes spot on , i think liverpool will win 2-0 just because arsenal cant bring in anyone to replace van perse and adebayor, they will play some one like bendtner who is no wer near there class. i think liverpool will dominate this game with the line share of posession and xabi alonso will be the main man in the middle of the park for liverpool as i felt he had a good game against us ( chelsea) in the return leg of the champs league. Fabregas will be the player to watch out for on the arsenal team
Posted 17:30 21st April 2009
Jack Watson (Liverpool fan) says...
Good article Paul. You're right in many respects. I am a keen Liverpool supporter and scouser, so I also believe that we'll win tonight. The one thing I disagree with you though is that you said you can't see United dropping points in two games, I know it's all matter of opinion but I firmly believe that they will drop points in not only two games, but more. Yes, they have quality but they are going through a rough patch at the moment and someone is going to beat them. I completely agree with you on the fact that you think Alonso will be key for us tonight, he has been the key man all season, holding the midfield and spraying passes about as easily as playing Derby at home. He definitely holds the key to unlock the Arsenal defence. I can see us triumphing tonight, and with considerable ease as Fernando Torres and Yossi Benayoun are in hot form at the moment. I think it could be 2-0 or 3-0 to Liverpool tonight. Come on you reds!
Posted 16:54 21st April 2009
Zeus Dormer (Manchester United fan) says...
Interesting thoughts. My prediction is a tight win for the Gunners. Im of the feeling that if Arsenal get 3 points here and be within six of Liverpool, Liverpool will give up the ghost and become completely deflated. If Liverpool lose tonight, I can see them losing 3 or 4 of the next games that are left. Plenty for Arsenal to catch up. I don´t think Arsenals season is over by a long way, no preasure, no expectations all seasons and a chance for the young guns to shine. I can see Ramsey and Vela doing something in this match. Prediction Liverpool 0 - Arsenal 1 United to win tommorow and Liverpool give up in the remainder of the season. Chelsea finnish second behind United, Arsenal Third by only a point and Liverpool fourth.
Posted 15:57 21st April 2009
Warren Chang (Arsenal fan) says...
Wenger likes to defy the odds, prove critics wrong and be ambitious.With the change in the CL qualifying format next season I don't think he's content with just 4th place and I think he will aim to be at the very least 3rd. He rested key players in the FA Cup in the likes of Song, Arshavin and Nasri and I think we will see them on display fit and ready to go. Arsene is not the type of manager to go for broke and he is certainly not in the business of losing games just because he's comfortbaly in 4th place. He will want to win every game to prove a point and maintain team morale. I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out a tie because Liverpool have the Anfield advantage to off-set their spotty defending as of late.
Posted 15:30 21st April 2009
Johnson Toby (Liverpool fan) says...
The Premier league is truely living up to its bid as the number one viewers choice league in Nigeria. I see Liverpool winning this match as well as the other 5 matches left. Whenever there is something to aim at, i feel Rafa usually gets it right. 3-1 to the reds plus Torres to get a brace.
Posted 14:45 21st April 2009
Bels D (Liverpool fan) says...
I agree with Merse, whilst it will be a difficult game for the red men, especially without Gerrard I can't see us letting this one slide, especially with so much at stake. A win for Arsenal would be great but it doesn't really matter to them in any other way but pride seems they are pretty much guaranteed fourth now, where as for Liverpool they know what is at stake and there is a huge desire for that final push to win the league. Torres looks to be getting back to his best and I think 3-1 is a probable result, two from him and one from kuyt. Though I agree with Sammy Lee even with their injuries we should not take them for granted because they are in a great run of form, sayin that the fans will be right behind the team and the famous anfield atmosphere may just make the difference. Also a point on Xabi, he has without a doubt been Liverpool's best player all season no doubt and it is great to see him back to his best and proving Rafa was wrong to consider selling him, every Liverpool fan loves him and never ever wanted him to leave, lets hope Benitez doesn't make the same mistake again and go in for Barry when Alonso has been the star of Liverpool's season! X-abbiii Alonso!
Posted 14:43 21st April 2009
Declan Donnan (Manchester United fan) says...
I think UTD are too experienced to throw it away. Even if Liverpool win tonight I think united will be too strong. Tham above all others know what it takes to win a title.. All that having been said I fancy a draw tonight
Posted 14:39 21st April 2009
Zane Spencer (Arsenal fan) says...
I agree with Merson, Liverpool will win. Either 2-1 or 3-1. Arsenal just don't have enough to compete with Man Utd, Chelsea or Liverpool because Wenger doesn't want to spend. While the other top teams keep their experienced players, buy top quality players and a few youngsters. Wenger gets rid of experience and just buys youngsters. And in doing so he's stopping the progress of the club because when we don't win anything senior players will just start leaving. This team has no grit or determination, just young players who are content with just playing because they know Wenger will be reluctant to replace them. Because of that, Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal.
Posted 14:35 21st April 2009
Daud Mitchell (Juventus fan) says...
As much as Arsenal is my favourite team in the prem and i dislike Rafa and his boys I can't stand the thought of another prem title for Man U. Man U has been dropping off the pace in recent times and if Liv keep up the pressure on them they will have a realistic chance of taking the title. Wenger should rest his key players as forth place is all but guaranteed.
Posted 14:27 21st April 2009
Joe Murage (Manchester United fan) says...
Arsenal were beaten by Chelsea though played well. If they are beaten by Livpl today most probably confidence will go down something Wenger would not wish at this time of the season. They are playing Boro over the weekend a team fighting to survive relegation.Ars play manutd 3 days later they play Portsmouth another team fighting for survival then back with united followed by chelsea. Playing a team fighting for surival is even harder than playing a top team. So Wenger knowing what is awaiting him might want to gamble with Livpl game which might affect the confidence of his players. S o i bet for a draw of 2-2 or a win. Livpl will drop points tonight.
Posted 14:14 21st April 2009
Mikey B (Manchester City fan) says...
I really hope Mers is right but nothing is certain, especially with Gerrard on the sidelines. It all depends on how our less consistant players preform. We need a good performance from the likes of Riera, Beneyoun, Aurellio and even Skrtel and Carragher (who have both been patchy of late although they have generally both been very steady). The attacking players on the fringe of the squad really need to stand up and be counted tonight. Also where is Babel? He should be pushing for a start every week but doesn't seem to have the desire.
Posted 14:08 21st April 2009
Mark Tyerman (Manchester United fan) says...
I would like to point out to Russell Prydderch (Scouse Fan) that i dont expect us to draw with Blackburn as we have already played them twice!! Yes we may drop points before the end of the season but Liverpool will drop some also, we will win the league by 2-3 points, maybe even by beating Arsenal second to last game!
Posted 13:54 21st April 2009
John Eljay (Arsenal fan) says...
If Arsenal does not win this, then I see a draw here. Cmon Paul, 3-1? this is still Arsenal vs. Liverpool, we can beat them any day; they were only lucky Ade was sent off early in the "first leg" at The Emirates, and they still could not win a 10 man arsenal. Forget the freak win at Old Trafford, I do not see them beating Arsenal today, not to talk of such a scandalous scorline as you suggested.
Posted 13:45 21st April 2009
Sean Smith (Liverpool fan) says...
I have to agree with mers although these two teams are well matched its Liverpool who want it more, Also its an absolute racket that xabi alonso has been overlooked for pfa player of the season. With respect to ryan giggs how can a player who just doesnt have the legs anymore to string together two consecutive 90min games be nominated for player of the year.
Posted 12:44 21st April 2009
Richard Frost (Liverpool fan) says...
Mers has got it spot on this week! With the injuries that Arsenal have got there won't be a better time to play them and I think that could prove the little bit of luck that could swing the title race. It won't be an easy game as Arsenal have the ability to open up any team, but I just think that Liverpool are so strong at the moment and are scoring for fun and really putting pressure on teams in games which is something that I haven't seen us do all season. They've been a joy to watch over the past 6 weeks and it was hard to really 'gutted' last week going out of the CL the way we did. No other team would've gone to Stamford Bridge, in that situation, without their best player, and put on a performance like we did. If Liverpool get an early goal I can see this one being 4, maybe even 5-1! Sure Gerrard's a miss, but other players are really stepping up in his absence, notably Bennayoun. If Liverpool can get level with Utd with 2 games to go then the title is ours. Given the fixtures that we've got, our GD will be much better than theirs and a choice of playing a relegated WBA team (a) and a Spurs team who will've rapped up Euro footy by then at Anfield or a full strength Arsenal (H) and Hull (a) when they're likely going to have to win to stay up....It's a no brainer!!!!
Posted 12:32 21st April 2009
Andy Gyle (Liverpool fan) says...
i agree with merson on this one liverpool have more to play for than arsenal and there minds will be on champions leg semi final. I must say arsenal missing van persie and adebayor is much more major for them than us missing gerrard. We have beat united(at anfield) and chelsea ( at stamford bridge) without stevie this season. i can see us winning this one 2 or 3-1. The key battle will be mascherano picking up cesc and i dont think fabregas is back to his best yet he was very quiet on saturday. But who knows what will happen its football nothing is assured.
Posted 12:16 21st April 2009
Leigh Spiteri (Liverpool fan) says...
liverpool 3-0 come on you reda YNWL
Posted 12:11 21st April 2009
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