Arsenal V Liverpool
Arsenal and Liverpool meet at the Emirates this evening in the first of three games between the sides in the space of a week.
Liverpool have been on an impressive winning streak since their loss to Championship side Barnsley in the FA Cup. They have won eight out of nine matches, with their only recent loss being 3-0 to Manchester United a fortnight ago.
Arsenal meanwhile have been stuttering. They ended a run of five games without a win when they fought back from 2-0 down to beat Bolton 3-2 last Saturday, a run that has seen them move from top spot in the Premier League to third.
Arsenal are likely to bring back striker Emmanuel Adebayor who was on the bench against Bolton on Saturday. Abou Diaby is available for the European tie despite his red card at the Reebok.
Not available for the gunners are, Bacary Sagna, Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo.
Liverpool meanwhile will be pleased to welcome back midfielder Javier Mascherano as he was suspended for Liverpool’s win over Everton on Sunday.
Alvaro Arbeloa and Fabio Aurelio are also back in the squad but Harry Kewell and Daniel Agger will both miss out.
Arsene Wenger:
The impact of the first game of the sequence is vital. If we produce a good performance, and I am convinced that we will, we can beat Liverpool, we can beat Milan, we can beat everybody in the world.
Rafa Benitez:
Fernando (Torres) knows he is a key player for us, and he knows that if we play well he will score goals. I would expect Fernando to work just as he has done before. This, though, is Europe and I know he wants to play well and score more goals.
Champions League Quarter Final First Leg
Stadium: Emirates
Date: Wednesday, 2 April, 1945
