Arsenal - Liverpool Trilogy begins today

Arsenal fans are readying for the arrival of Liverpool today at the Emirates for the first installment of the so-called Arse-Pool Trilogy. Some Arsenal fans have revealed they plan to watch today's match on the "back of a few fingers of scotch," which is wise, considering Liverpool's European Form. Cynics, also known as Gooners, may go on with false bravado about Arsenal's record in the league being superior of late, but nobody in their right mind would bet against Nuestro Nino and Steven Gerrard in their current form. Still, it promises to be a nail-biter for fans of both sides.

Sixes and Sevens' Liverpool Lineup
Reina
Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riise
Kuyt, Mascherano (fully rested), Alonso, Babel
Gerrard Nuestro Nino

433's Projected Arsenal Lineup
Almunia
Toure Gallas Senderos Clichy
Eboue Fabregas Flamini Hleb
Van Persie Adebayor


Sixes and Sevens' player-v-player analysis
Liverpool is better positioned in goal. Defense is a wash, with experienced players on either side: Riise is probably a few shades off Clichy, but Skrtel more than makes up for that deficit against Senderos. Eboue brings little other than bad acting on Arsenal's right, and Kuyt's industry creates chances for Torres to take. Fabregas and Alonso share duties for Spain, Flamini and Masherano are both excellent holding players - a draw there. Hleb is a known quantity, but Babel brings pace and a love of running at defenders that Liverpool fans love. His crosses will be telling. Gerrard and Torres are in incredible form, while Van Persie hasn't found his shooting boots. Adebayor can change a game, but his service will be cut out. Being at home will help Arsenal get a goal in what will be a frustrating game for them. Sixes and Sevens scoreline: Arsenal 1 - 2 Liverpool.

433 Handicaps Part 1 of the Trilogy
This three-game run inevitably reminds supporters of last season's domestic cup double-feature that saw Arsenal bounce Liverpool from the League and FA Cups. Those victories, including Arsenal's 6-3 victory at Anfield, seemed like a fair reflection of the relative strength of the sides, yet Liverpool amazingly managed to make it to the Champions League final. After two finals in three years, Liverpool have earned a reputation as Champions League specialists, with Rafa's rotation policy touted as a key factor in their success. Going into today's game, Arsenal supporters could be forgiven for wondering which Arsenal side will show up. An Eboue making runs and putting in crosses is an entirely different player to an Eboue who hides for long periods, only to resurface with some disgraceful antics. A Van Persie in form is a goal-scoring machine, but a broken down Van Persie is decidedly less sharp. A good Arsenal performance would be wonderful, and although it's difficult to know what to expect, I wouldn't be surprised to see the trio of Flamini, Fabregas, and Hleb overrun the Liverpool midfield and a few Arsenal goals, including one or two late on: Arsenal 3, Liverpool 1.


Manchester's 4-6-0 against Roma, featuring Rooney as a holding striker, affirms their position as favorites for the final. Watch to see who'll show their desire to make the round-of-four live on the Deuce from 2:30 and on tape delay on Deportes from 4:45.