| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
|
LIVERPOOL
Reina Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Enrique Sahin, Gerrard, Allen Downing, Suarez, Sterling |
ARSENAL
Mannone Jenkinson, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs Cazorla, Arteta, Diaby Gervinho, Giroud, Podolski |
Nuri Sahin is set to make his Liverpool debut in the heart of midfield after Lucas (thigh) was ruled out for up to three months after hobbling off in the opening stages of the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
Daniel Agger is likely to return from suspension to replace Sebastian Coates in defence but youngster Raheem Sterling is poised to make another start having impressed against Roberto Mancini's side last time out.
For Arsenal, Vito Mannone could continue to deputise in goal with Wojciech Szczesny and Lukas Fabianski both still struggling for match fitness.
Bacary Sagna's long-term leg injury means Carl Jenkinson will again step in at right-back, with the France defender set to return to training after the upcoming international break. Fellow international team-mate Laurent Koscielny (calf) faces a late fitness test.
The continuing transfer speculation surrounding Theo Walcott could mean that Gervinho will again feature from the start, in support of Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski, while Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain should appear from the bench.
Jack Wilshere (ankle), Emmanuel Frimpong (knee) and Tomas Rosicky (thigh) all remain long-term absentees.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
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Liverpool have won just one of their last 10 Premier League games against Arsenal.
- New signing Joe Allen (pictured, right) has an 85 per cent passing accuracy in the attacking half of the pitch, alongside a 100% passing accuracy in the defensive half.
- Liverpool have picked up just 19 points from 21 Premier League games during 2012.
- Only Arsenal (19%) have a worse shooting accuracy than Liverpool in the Premier League this season (24%).
- There have been seven 90th minute or later goals scored in the last seven Premier League games between Liverpool and Arsenal, and five in the last four.
- Liverpool v Arsenal at Anfield has seen the joint-most own goals of any fixture in Premier League history with four.
- Arsenal have allowed the joint-fewest shots on target against them this season.
