5. Shutting Down The Passing Lanes to Suárez and Gerrard
Liverpool has been able to score on Arsenal from counter attacks over the years. Xavi Alonzo delivered world class 30-40 yard passes that would unlock the Arsenal defense and make goal scoring chances. Nuri Sahin has the ability to produce these long passes from deep in Liverpool's defensive third of the field. Coupled with this is the excellent runs in the channels from Suárez and Gerrard darting into advanced positions behind the Arsenal defensive line. This means that Arsenal's defenders cannot switch off; they need to be alert to the passes from deep, and alert to where Suárez is at all time. Abou Diaby must continue his excellent support that he gave the back four in the air on similar balls from Sunderland and Stoke. The passes from Liverpool, however, will be a little more accurate and will be disguised with much more guile. Conclusion The bottom line is that this game will be contested by two teams that want to play; two team that need to win. So for neutrals and fans alike, it will be a very entertaining game.