Barclays Premier League: Liverpool vs Arsenal kicks off in spectacular fashion
Liverpool are scheduled to take on Arsenal in what is the biggest game of the opening weekend of the Barclay's Premier League. Both the teams will have a lot to prove in their opening fixture. Arsenal will be looking to prove that, they are no longer a team that consists of young average players, but rather players who have what it takes to go all the way. Liverpool on the other hand will be looking to bounce back from the terrible season that they had last term, which saw the club finish at what seems to be an all time low in their past history, with a seventh place finish.
Liverpool's star striker Fernando Torres, will be fighting to be fit in time for the match. The Spanish international suffered an injury to his abductor during the final game of the FIFA World Cup. The player was seen to be in so much pain, that for the last few minutes of the game he was on the floor grasping his leg, as he could not pull himself up to continue. However it appears as though the player has made good progress, his rehabilitation seems to be right on track and if he manages to pass the late fitness test he might just manage to make the squad list for tonight's game. Liverpool's want away midfielder, who also happens to be the Argentine captain, Javier Mascherano might also make a shock start tonight. So far the Anfield club has failed to receive any bids for the player and Roy Hodgson, the manager of the club, does not see why the player should not participate in matches while he is at the club. Hodgson was impressed by the Argentine's attitude and performances during the pre season trainings and has admitted to wanting to start the player for the game against Arsenal. Liverpool's newest signing, Christian Poulsen, however might not be able to make the squad, considering he was signed only last Thursday.
Arsenal are on track to suffering, what seems to be their standard injuries to key players again. Both the team's World Cup finalists, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, might miss the opening match for the club if they do not pass a late fitness test. That is not where the bad news stops for the club as it seems that, Abou Diaby and Alex Song both have suffered calf strains and will be fighting against time to be fit for the game against Liverpool. Arsenal's Brazilian midfielder, Denielson has also suffered an abdominal injury and might not manage to make an appearance. What this means is England youngster, Jack Wilshere might just happen to make a surprise start at Anfeild tonight. Arsenal's summer signings Marouane Chamakh and Laurent Koscielny are both looking to make their Premier League debuts for the team. However, long term injury sustainers Johan Djourou, Nicklas Bendtner and Aaron Ramsey will miss the opener for sure.
Liverpool's new boss, Roy Hodgson seemed more than optimistic about tonight's game, when asked how he felt about the pressure that was on his shoulders, he was reported to have said,
"There are always expectations. Who knows what's realistic? In every league there are surprises every year," said the 62-year-old.
"I've been feeling pressure for the last 35 years - since January 1 1976 - I think that is part of the job.
"You could argue Halmstad and Liverpool are not to be mentioned in the same breath but that is not what I thought about it at 29 years of age. All we can do is try to prepare each week to play a good game of football and try to win it."
It appears that both teams will be looking to gather the maximum three points that are at stake in tonight’s game, to help give them an early advantage in the Premier League. Experts believe that Arsenal will win this game by a score line of two goals to one, in the Gunners favour, but everyone will just have to wait and see how the match ends up unfolding.
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