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Arsenal v Liverpool -Sunday, 17 April, 2011

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  • Arsenal v Liverpool -Sunday, 17 April, 2011

    Arsenal v Liverpool

    Sunday, 17 April 2011
    Barclays Premier League

    Venue: Emirates Stadium Date: Sunday, 17 April Kick-off: 1600 BST

    Coverage: Watch live on Sky Sports 1 and highlights on Match of the Day 2; listen on BBC Radio 5 live, BBC London 94.9 and BBC Radio Merseyside; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles


    TEAM NEWS

    Arsenal keeper Wojciech Szczesny is back in full training after recovering from a dislocated finger and could return in goal against Liverpool. The Gunners could be further boosted by the return of defenders Johan Djourou (shoulder) and Bacary Sagna (knee).

    Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish reported no new injury concerns following Monday's defeat of Manchester City.

    Young defender John Flanagan won praise for an assured debut against City and is expected to continue at right back.

    Arsenal
    Doubtful: Almunia, Sagna & Song (all knee), Denilson (toe), Djourou (shoulder), Szczesny (finger)
    Injured: Bartley (knee), Fabianski (shoulder), Mannone (thigh), Vermaelen (Achilles)

    Liverpool
    Injured: Agger (knee), Gerrard (groin), Johnson & Kelly (both hamstring)


    MATCH PREVIEW
    A season of frustration could yet end in celebration for both these sides, who meet at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday desperate for the three points that would keep their seasons alive.


    Look at me - you never know what is going to happen in life. Manchester is a good team but they have to play in a lot of competitions... I know from my own experience how exhausting that can be - Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann


    Victory for Arsenal would see Manchester United's lead at the top of the table cut to just four points, and with Sir Alex Ferguson's side chasing trophies on three fronts and still to travel to North London, Arsene Wenger maintains all is not lost in the Gunners' quest for a first league title since 2004.

    Liverpool's pursuit of European football is gathering momentum, with Monday's 3-0 victory over Manchester City confirming the Reds' renaissance under Kenny Dalglish. Record signing Andy Carroll opened his Anfield account with a spectacular strike and a trademark header against City, and the former Newcastle striker will relish his return to the Emirates where he scored the only goal in a 1-0 win for the Magpies in November.

    The game will be Arsenal's first since American Stan Kroenke secured a controlling stake in the club, vowing to bring the good times back to North London. Three points on Sunday would be a good way to start.


    MATCH FACTS
    Head-to-head
    • The two sides met at Anfield on the opening day of the season. The game finished 1-1, with David Ngog putting Liverpool ahead before Pepe Reina's mistake gifted the Gunners a point.
    • It's 11 years since Liverpool last won at Arsenal, a 1-0 victory in February 2000. The Merseyside club have never won at the Emirates.
    • Liverpool have won only three of their last 19 Premier League games against Arsene Wenger's men, and none of the last seven.
    • There have been more hat-tricks scored in this fixture than any other in Premier League history (five).

    Arsenal
    • Arsenal are on a 14-match unbeaten run in the league, although this includes six draws. They are the only Premier League team who are unbeaten in 2011.
    • Despite the Gunners' perceived goalkeeping problems they have conceded against only four of their last 12 league opponents.
    • Robin van Persie is poised to make his 150th Premier League appearance for the Gunners, while Andrey Arshavin is on the brink of his 100th appearance for the club.
    • Van Persie has scored 20 goals in his last 21 Premier League starts.

    Liverpool
    • According to Opta Stats, Lucas Leiva has made 139 tackles this season, more than any other player (correct before Saturday's action).
    • Liverpool have won just one and lost five of their last six Premier League games in London.
    • They have now scored in 14 successive Premier League matches, the best current run in the league.
    • If selected, Milan Jovanovic will be playing on the eve of his 30th birthday.
    "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
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