Arsene Wenger picked up his 14th manager of the month award after leading Arsenal to four straight victories in the Premier League during the month of March. Wins against Everton, Queens Park Rangers, West Ham and Newcastle leaves then North Londoners in third place with a a point advantage over fourth placed Manchester United, and the same margin behind the other Manchester club – City – who are a place above them. Wenger will not entertain talk of a potential title challenge (seven points behind leaders Chelsea having played a game more) but they are certainly not without a chance and as the form side in the league, probably best placed of any of the chasing pack to put pressure on Jose Mourinho’s men. A win in the early kick off on Saturday afternoon would enhance that belief.
It would have been a miserable international break for Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool support. Whilst many of their stars were off representing their country, they had to lick their wounds following a disappointing home defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United. Not only were they outplayed, but they were also reduced to 10 men after captain Steven Gerrard was dismissed only seconds after coming on as a substitute, for kicking out. He will now be unavailable for three games, reducing his impact as his Liverpool career begins to wind down. Their misery would have been compounded by the news that Raheem Sterling has put contract talks on hold amid rumours he has rejected previous offers and contemplating a move away from the club in the summer.
The only negative for Arsenal recently was being knocked out of the Champions League following a surprise aggregate defeat to Monaco. It can still be a very positive season for the Gunners, though, with a semi-final in the FA Cup still to come as well as fighting to finish as high up the table as possible. The visit of Liverpool will be another test of Wenger’s improving side and they will be looking to protect what has been an impressive home record in the league this season. Manchester United are the only visiting team to leave the Emirates with all three points.
Although Liverpool are also involved in the FA Cup, their priority surely must be finishing in the top four. Of course, that goal was made much more difficult following the loss to United last time out. They are now five points behind that opponent and have it all to do if they wish to play Champions League football next season. They have won five of their last six away games but they have never been totally convincing in many of those wins. There is no doubt they are a better side defensively this season but they have looked devoid of ideas in attack, and have relied on moments of individual brilliance for several of their wins recently. They’re going to have to improve as a team in an attacking sense if they are to hold any chance of finishing fourth.
Games between these two are often entertaining and I expect this to be no different. Arsenal have an outside chance of the title but the know they probably have to win every game in order to do so. Liverpool will be looking to get back on the winning trail but they too are also in a win or bust type scenario as they aim to catch United. Their away record reads eight wins, five losses and only one draw in the league this season – combine that with both teams need for the win, I’m happy to rule out the draw. Arsenal are in much better form and look more dangerous than Rodgers’ men at this point, and they can take all three points to continue their excellent run.
Arsenal 5/6 @ Boylesports
