What: English FA Cup Fifth Round
Who: Arsenal vs Liverpool
When: Sunday 16th February, 2014, at 16:00 UK Time
Where: Emirates Stadium, London, England
Stuttering Gunners
Arsenal hope to overturn their recent woes when they host Liverpool in a fifth round FA Cup encounter. The Gunners are showing signs of tiredness with some suggesting it is more of a mid-season slump that they are undergoing. Regardless, the truth is that in their last few matches Arsene Wenger's side have looked lethargic and lacking freshness.
Last weekend’s 5-1 mauling at the hands of Liverpool was supposed to be a wake-up call for the Londoners, however it was followed up by an uninspired 0-0 home draw against Manchester United. Many have been waiting for this loss of form from Arsenal, though it may be premature to say they are declining.
In truth, the next two weeks will go a long way towards indicating where Arsenal may be come the end of the season in all three competitions they are competing in. This FA Cup clash will also be about payback as the home side seek to wipe away the bad taste of last weekend’s drubbing at Anfield.
Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny believes that match was more a fluke than anything and is upbeat about his team’s prospects, insisting people will see the real Arsenal.
“It will be a big game for us because we conceded five against them and it was a little bit humiliating”, he said.
“You can’t say you saw the real Arsenal at Anfield. You have to judge us over a longer period of time. People have seen the real Arsenal over the last year. We conceded five on Saturday, but our defensive record over the last year or so has been amazing.”
Brendan Rodgers’ Dark Horses?
Liverpool seem to be gaining strength as the season goes on. Brendan Rodgers’ side have their weaknesses (mainly at the back), however they still remain in the conversation as far as the title goes. A mere four points off leaders Chelsea, Liverpool have produced some of the best football in the Premier League this season thanks to their exciting attacking play.
That was in evidence on Wednesday when they came back twice against Fulham to score a crucial 3-2 away win. Now the Reds will be seeking to advance in the FA Cup. Liverpool did more than beat Arsenal last weekend, as they absolutely dismantled their rivals.
Jose Mourinho for one has not minced his words when describing Liverpool’s chances of winning silverware this season. “When I say we're not the top candidate everyone thinks 'here he is again, with what you like to call the mind games”, the Chelsea manager explained.
“But it's just my feeling. The league is amazing but Liverpool have a big advantage because of the fact they don't play in the Champions League."
Liverpool have made great progress, though it would be a real shock if they won the Premier League. Perhaps their best bet for a trophy still resides in the FA Cup. It will be difficult at the Emirates Stadium, but on current form Liverpool could well be the favourites going into the fifth round tie.
Recent form
Arsenal:
Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace (02/02; Premier League)
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal (08/02; Premier League)
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United (12/02; Premier League)
Liverpool:
West Brom 1-1 Liverpool (02/02; Premier League)
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal (08/02; Premier League)
Fulham 2-3 Liverpool (12/02; Premier League)
Key absences
Arsenal: Theo Walcott; Aaron Ramsey; Kim Kallstrom; Thomas Vermaelen; Santi Cazorla
Liverpool: Lucas Leiva; Mamadou Sakho; Jose Enrique; Glen Johnson
Players to watch
Arsenal – Mathieu Flamini: Returning to action after a spell out due to suspension, the French midfielder could be just what the doctor ordered for Wenger. Mathieu Flamini can add a protective shield in front of the Gunners defence and may be able to disrupt Luis Suarez’s rhythm and the supply to the Uruguayan. The former AC Milan man should also have fresher legs than the rest, something Arsenal badly need.
Liverpool – Steven Gerrard: Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Phillipe Coutinho and even Jon Flanagan have all made their way into the Liverpool headlines this season with superb performances. Arguably the most important in this rejuvenated Liverpool machine is still one of the old parts, the club’s captain Steven Gerrard. His game may not be the all-action, swashbuckling one of his earlier playing days; however his influence for this side has not waned. In fact, his experience is perhaps even more important now. His coolness at slotting home the winner via a penalty-kick against Fulham showed once again that his ability to perform under pressure is another reason why Liverpool have been so successful this season.
Match Prediction
Arsenal look to be having trouble at an important stage of the season. This won’t be a surprise to those who have followed the Gunners over the last few seasons, but supporters are beginning to worry that history will repeat itself. That said, Wenger’s men still have everything to play for and if they recover their form from the first half of the campaign then success could be in their future. Liverpool meanwhile have surprised many with how quickly they have improved this season. With only two competitions to play in, they may have an advantage over other sides in the race for the Premier League and in the FA Cup. Arsenal will want to provide a response to their recent performances, the loss at Anfield and the tepid draw against Manchester United. Liverpool will believe that the Gunners are there for the taking. This one looks like it could go to a replay. Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool.
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