Arteta is back in full training apparently, but Ramsey has played well as a DM in the last couple of games. Can Diaby play again after so little rest? Cazorla has been rested, and Wilshere didn't play the full match. Rosicky did, but hasn't played for a long while, and needs minutes. So who starts against Liverpool? Lucas - Gerrard - Henderson Lucas - Gerrard - Allen Lucas - Gerrard - Henderson Are Liverpools last 3 Premier League starting midfield 3's. Up against Gerrard, I'd be inclined to play Arteta, as I feel he could track him well, and really keep him out of the game. If he can manage that, then Liverpool wil struggle. Against Henderson & Allen, I'd favour Wilshere. He can do it all - tracking back and tackling, passing, dribbling, and he's on good form. Plus he didn't play the full game against Brighton so should be OK for this match. Attacking midfield wise, I'd favour Cazorla as he's been rested. If Arsenal are winning after 60 or 70mins, I'd replace him with Rosicky, and Jack with Ramsey if he begins to tire, as a midfield 3 of Arteta, Rosicky & Diaby has some physical strength and tackling ability, but can also retain possession and create. Defense-wise, I'd favour Vermaelen over Kos, purely from the way that Kos tends to mark very tight, and both Sturridge & Suarez are prone to the odd falling fit. Merts speed concerns me however, as the front 3 of Liverpool usually have good pace, while Merts doesn't. Sagna & Gibbs will need to be at their very best to compensate for this. Overall, I feel Arsenal can win this. They need plenty of interchange in the front 3, to close down well, and to play at a very high tempo to drag the Liverpool players around. If they start well, they can dominate the game, starve Gerrard of possession which will frustrate Suarez, and win by a couple of goals.
For the first time in a while we have several goal threats... Giroud, Pod, Walcott and Cazorla can all score regularly. Liverpool will need to watch out for all four of them and all four must start. The other two midfield slots are a given to Wilshere and Arteta (if fit). However, I'd like to see Diaby in given how he dominated at Anfield earlier this season.
Cazorla-Wilshere-Arteta is our mid. Diaby has been crap since his return, although his assist for Giroud was first class. Rosicky is a great impact sub if losing. Ramsey a great sub if winning. Even though Koscielny has been rubbish this season, I would start him for a few reasons. He's getting over the worst of his bad form, he's quicker than Mertesacker, and he may be useful for when we play Bayern, so he needs some regular football before that kind of test. Mertesacker is playing quite badly right now, and Liverpool's pace won't suit him.
I too would go for our quicker CB pairing of Verm and Kos, to counter the Liverpool front 3 of pace and skill. Also i can't see Liverpool hoofing the ball in the air as Rodgers plays a more purer, on the ground type like us. Our forwards are in good form and Liverpool will be on a downer after being dumped out of the FA cup. We should win this 3-1. But we need to keep a tight ship as Suarez and Sturridge will be a handful. Gibbs needs to be on the ball this coming Wednesday.
First choice midfield is Arteta - Wilshere - Cazorla I think Ramsey, Diaby and Rosicky have given a good account of themselves over the last two or three games, so I'd have them on the bench.
I can't believe I am saying it, but I'd start with Gordon Gump in a defensive midfield position with Santi & Jack taking the other 2 slots. Arteta can come on after 60 minutes when we are 3-0 up and ease himself back into the swing of things. Starting Arteta against Liverpool after his injusy would be too risky.
I know Ramsey has played well in his last two games, but it was against West Ham and Brighton. Against,, Liverpool he would be facing players like Gerrard. Also, Suarez is going to be dropping between the lines, and Ramsey will also have to pick him up. Even though he has only returned to training today, I would risk Arteta. He was excellent against Liverpool at Anfield earlier in the season, and his experience is going to be key in a game like this.
