Liverpool vs Arsenal: Round One

Seems like we're hell bent to meet Arsenal in all cup competition (except Champions League) and the matter of fact that we're facing them twice in 4 days make today's match more like a dress rehearsal. But fool you not, this is FA Cup and this IS the b*llocks. Can we defend the cup? Are we still a good cup team that we still believe?

A huge boost will be that Liverpool have been in imperious form at Anfield and the last defeat came under Chelsea back in October 2005. But we should never think that this record will not be broken for ever and ever amen. To be honest, Arsenal looked the most likely to come to Anfield to get a draw after their impressive display at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford, both holy grounds of Chelsea and ManYoo respectively.

The setback for the Gunners would be the loss of Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas through suspension although good news would be their captain Thierry Henry is back for them and will fire at all cylinder after a good rest through the December period. We know what he is capable of and though Liverpool defence has been watertight for the latter part of the season, we should never underestimate what one man can do, especially more so for this magician from France.

Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy is back in the fray for this match as he recovered from the knock he picked up against Spurs last week. This might mean that Peter Crouch will end up on the bench yet again with Rafa Benitez preferring Bellamy with Kuyt up front.

With Liverpool losing to Arsenal 3-0 earlier this season, the pain might spur the Reds players to go all out for revenge and home fans could be a factor in which it will aid us. Arsenal have been dangerous recently albeit that 1-0 loss to Sheffield United and if we play nice passing game with them at face pace, we might get eaten alive again like we did earlier this season.

So I expect Peter Crouch to start for us. Yes, he has been missing a whole load of chances earlier but his height might be a problem to the Arsenal defence and his link up play with the midfield is essential in this match.

Drogballs' Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal. They will be dangerous and might nick a goal against us. But the lost of Cesc and van Persie might be hard for Arsenal to take.