Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool this Saturday, in a match which will be of great significance in the title race, as well as the race for a Champions League spot come end of the season.
The Gunners will head into the clash in great form and with the knowledge that they have not been beaten at Anfield in their last six Premier League visits. However, Wenger will be aware that his side are up against a much improved Liverpool and the Gunners will certainly have to play well to earn all three points from the game.
Goalkeeper
Wojciech Szczesny enjoyed a fairly comfortable evening against Crystal Palace last weekend, but he did come up with a fine save to deny Cameron Jerome during a crucial period in the game. The Polish international can certainly expect to be much busier against the likes of Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge on Saturday though, and he could have his work cut out against a very attack-minded Liverpool side.
Defence
The Arsenal defence has been very solid this season and a cornerstone of their success so far. Therefore, Arsene Wenger will surely not be looking to alter his settled back four. Bacary Sagna and Nacho Monreal will be deployed in the full back positions, while Laurent Koscienly and Per Mertesacker will be starting at the heart of the defence. The presence of Carl Jenkinson, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen means that the Gunners will also posses strong bench.
Midfield
Arsene Wenger will be faced with a tricky proposition when selecting his midfield. Jack Wilshere is in contention after missing out against Crystal Palace with injury, while Tomas Rosicky is also fit enough to make a start. However, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain putting in a man-of-the-match performance against Palace at central midfield last week, it may be unfair to drop the young man.
With all due respect to Palace, Liverpool are a much stronger side and Wenger may be tempted to use the more industrious Wilshere or Rosicky in place of the attacking minded Oxlade-Chamberlain at the middle of the park. Oxlade-Chamberlain could be pushed out on the wings though, with Lukas Podolski probably dropping to the bench.
Mikel Arteta will continue in midfield in the absence of the suspended Mathieu Flamini, while Mesut Ozil and Santi Cazorla will be providing the creative spark.
Striker
Olivier Giroud has been doing a thankless job for Arsenal on his own in attack this season and he will certainly be leading the line against Liverpool. The Frenchman will be the focal point of the Gunners attack and his fantastic hold-up play will be crucial in bringing the likes of Cazorla and Ozil into the game.
(4-5-1)
Szczesny; Monreal, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Sagna; Cazorla, Arteta, Wilshere, Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain; Giroud
