Winless in four games and having tasted defeat in the last two, it is fair to say that Arsenal are going through somewhat of a slump. The Gunners were last victorious in a 4-2 win over Bolton the best party of a month ago, and since then were turfed out of the FA Cup before drawing at Aston Villa and then being trounced by Manchester United and Chelsea. Now nine points off top with thirteen games remaining, it is fair to say that Arsene Wenger’s men have not needed a win as desperately as they do tonight.

They will endeavour to overturn their recent fortunes when they face rivals Liverpool this evening at the Emirates Stadium, finishing the tough task of facing all of their top four rivals on the trot. The last time these sides met (back in December), the Gunners ran out 2-1 victors thanks to a Glen Johnson own goal and a spectacular Andrey Arshavin winner. At that time Liverpool were sitting in seventh place in the Premiership and Arsenal were looking like real title contenders, however a lot has changed since then.

In their nine Premiership fixtures since that encounter, Liverpool have won six times and lost only once. Tonight’s fixture will certainly be a close game, and picking a possible outcome is far more difficult than it was last time. Liverpool are developing confidence for the first time in months, and Arsenal are in quite a slump. I think the Gunners having the home advantage will swing things slightly in their favour, but either way this evening’s game will be a close one.

Both sides are missing players for tonight’s game, with Liverpool without talismanic striker Fernando Torres as well as Alberto Aquilani, Yossi Benayoun, Glen Johnson and suspended defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos. The Gunners will be without usual long-term sicknotes Eduardo, Vela, Djourou, Gibbs, Merida and van Persie. There are no fresh injury concerns, and with Nicklas Bendtner looking fit and ready to start for the first time since October, the most likely line-up looks like this:

Arshavin – Bendtner – Nasri
Diaby – Song – Fabregas
Clichy – Vermaelen – Gallas – Sagna
Almunia

BENCH: Fabianski, Campbell, Eboue, Denilson, Rosicky, Walcott, Vela.

As far as the outcome of today’s game goes, it’ll be a close one as I said earlier. Liverpool are hardly firing but are finally developing come sort of consistency, while Arsenal are in a slump. Arsenal have the better side on paper and must take three points today if they are to salvage any sort of title push, however the visitors must not be taken lightly. Despite a few injuries, Liverpool do boast a whole lot of talent. Dirk Kuyt has been on fire of late while everyone is aware of the talent of Steven Gerrard. I think if those two can be contained then an Arsenal win is on the cards. Here’s hoping.

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