Arsenal face what is surely to be their toughest test on Sundaywhen they travel to Liverpool. Anfield has been a ground of mixed fortunes for the Gunners in recent times. Last season they scored six times in a Carling Cup tie, and also dumped the Reds out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 win.However, having won at Emirates Stadium 3-0 in the league, Arsène Wenger's men were beaten 4-1 later in the season. Both sides have had to contend with Champions League duty in midweek, but where Arsenal set records with their win at home against Slavia Pragueon Tuesday, Liverpool were beaten in Istanbul by Besiktas one day later. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Sunday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.</p> <span class="gold">Jamie Carragher v Theo Walcott</span> Theo Walcott is starting to live up to the hype that has surrounded him for so long. In the last three games Arsenal's boy wonder has registered two assists and scored two goals ­ the second of which was a mark of a player who has trained alongside the great Thierry Henry. His terrifying pace often leaves defenders in a daze and when he has embarked on a run he has an astonishing success rate of 83 per cent. The Englishman's eye for a team-mate is also highly impressive ­ a pass finds its target nearly 70 per cent of the time. On Sunday the youngster will no doubt face his sternest test. Liverpool's Jamie Carragher is an old-fashioned centre-back. The 29-year-old is strong in the tackle having lost just five all season. His reading of the game is equally good as he has intercepted the ball six times and cleared it on 15 occasions. Most importantly though, Liverpool is in his blood. Often putting anything he can in the way, blocking two goalbound shots, he will need to be at his international best to keep an in-form Walcott at bay.</p> <p class="center"></p> <span class="gold">Pepe Reina vManuel Almunia</span> Both Pepe Reina and Manuel Almunia were unknown quantities when they came to England from Spain. But where one was instantly given a starring role, the other has been made to bide his time before stepping into the limelight, something he has done admirably. Arsenal's stopper recently described life as 'fantastic' having seized the opportunity between the sticks in Jens Lehmann's absence. He has kept a very impressive four clean sheets in the Premier League and yet is to be beaten in Europe. As well as an excellent sweeper-keeper style, Almunia's distribution is top drawer. The 30-year-old has managed to find a team-mate on 56 occasions this season. His counterpart in the Liverpool goal has arguably been his side's best player in the last few years. This season his conceded just five times in nine games, making 33 saves.</p> <p class="center"></p> <span class="gold">Steve Finnan vAlex Hleb</span> The plaudits were raining down on Alex Hleb after Tuesday night's 7-0 thrashing of Slavia Prague. The Belarussian conducted play from out wide and got himself on the scoresheet with a fine run and smart finish. Comfortable on either flank as well as behind the strikers his close control is unrivalled, and his vision is exemplary. The 26-year-old has a 60 per cent passing success rate and when crossing from out wide he always finds a team-mate. Running with the ball proves to be a good outlet too as he invariably beats his man ­ six times this season. Trying to stop him on Sunday will be a player whose rise to the big stage is incredible. Steve Finnan is the only player ever to have played in all four tiers of the football in this country - plus the conference - AND be in possession of Uefa Cup and Champions League winners medals. He isn't so much a wing-back as has become familiar in the Premier League but is solid in defence. The Irishman has won 81 per cent of his tackles and made 12 clearances. He is sensible on the ball without being too spectacular and has completed 38 of his 56 passes..</p> <p class="center"></p> Please note: These statistics are from the 2007/08 Premier League season.</p>
Hopefully Liverfool will be deflated from Tuesday and we should win all those Battles. Walcott to poke in a goal.</p>
I have a gut feeling that were going to have a hard time against them, but their form and morale isshite right now, so I think we should try and get a quick score right away to demoralize them even more, they get easily discouraged when they go down early in the game. This game will either make them or Break them for the rest of the season, its a game that can get their confidence back and start winning. My prediction 3-2 Arsenal.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticKing)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> I predict Arsenal 4 - 2 Liverpool</p> Will Adebayor be playing?</p> </div></p> Im almost certain, hes not injured. I hope walcott can keep his form.</p>
haha was thinking exactly the same thing. His goal against Everton was a Beauty.</p> anyways seeing as we are doing predictions.</p> Arsenal 3-1 Liverfool</p>
Liverpool played good too. Arsenal attacked more.</p> It was about time that we Utd take the first place. (where we belong)</p> lol </p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MainEvent)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Arsenal played way better, and the final was 1-1.</p> </div></p> Wasting chances doesn't mean they played better.</p>
A very good match especially for the neutrals. My man of the match has to be Almunia. Pulled off countless amazing saves. Showing why he's better then Lehmann</p>
