Arsenal v Liverpool - match thread

Team to start:

Reina
Arbeloa
Carragher
Agger
Insua
Kuyt
Alonso
Lucas
Gerrard
Reira
Keane

Subs: Cavalieri, Plessis, Babel, El Zhar, Hyypia, Ngog, Benayoun.

No Rafa, No Mascherano, getting serious nerves about the game, will take a draw.

But a pure backs to wall performance and nick a win would be a big confidence booster going into the chrimbo period.

a pity mascherano can`t play because of the flu...............

Thank F**k Insua starts. With Masch out and Rafa gone, we need someone who kows how to actually defend.

Yes, INSUA is playing!

This will be a great time to see whether he is truly ready to play in the big games or not.

Come on LIVERPOOL!

Yes, INSUA is playing!

This will be a great time to see whether he is truly ready to play in the big games or not.

Come on LIVERPOOL!

I agree, a great test for him, and at the same time a great opportunity!

A deserved start IMO.

Big big test for Lucas today. He has to have an influence on the game!!

I think we are a bit light in midfield without the Masch but hopefully Alonso will be on his game, come on you reds.

I knew there was something up when I didn't see "Rafa and Stevie's pre-match notes" on the offal.

Thank F**k Insua starts. With Masch out and Rafa gone, we need someone who kows how to actually defend.

I agree. I'm gutted Masch cant play. I hope Lucas continues his good form now, it's time to step up and show us your worth. (and there's a few doubters to prove wrong )

If Insua nails it today then i think he Will be our 1st choice left back as from the new year.

Insua the choice ahead of Dossena in an important clash, it's now or never.

Anyone mind to clear up on the whereabouts of Masch?

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy, Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri, Adebayor, Van Persie.

Just listening to SSN then, everyone of the beauts on there are all going Arsenal, can't even be bothered listening to what Keys, Hoddle and Redknapp are going to be saying in the studio!

A win at the emirates today would shut a few people up about us being serious about the title. Come on Robbie, shooting boots on today!

a pity mascherano can`t play because of the flu...............

Alright I didn't see this sorry!

 Nothing to say at the moment !!!
     hope will all great in the end
 Good to see Keane have another go though

 Come on you reds
 this is our  great big chance

I hope Lucas continues his good form now, it's time to step up and show us your worth. (and there's a few doubters to prove wrong )

Let`s hope so,i`m one of those doubters.........Lucas prove me wrong today!

Shame Masch can't play. And this will be a MASSIVE test for Lucas. Keep up your good form.

Glad Insua is starting.

If Insua nails it today then i think he Will be our 1st choice left back as from the new year.

Spot on. I hope he does impress. A bit of competition between Aurelio, Dossena and Insua will raise the standards a bit! It might also encourage Rafa to give Stephen Darby a few games at RB.

Going to need to show the commitment we saw against Chelsea. Now i know a few are doubting our midfield with Lucas in for Masch but remember Plessis played in the exact same role and did exceedingly well as we won that game i believe. I have faith in this side, i think we can bring it home.

2-1 win still, Adebayor scores after Alonso puts us in front and then a Kuyt winner.

I think, I hope, that Sammy Lee will be in touch with Rafa via phone all game - a la Phil Brown.

Gutted about Rafa and Mascherano not being there.

On the other hand, delighted to see Insua start. Hope he grabs this opportunity with both hands, and prove that he needs to be in the starting line-up. 

And let's make Rafa a happy back in Liverpool, with a fine win.

Come on you redmen!!!

Im going for a 2-0 win but i ge the feeling it is more likely to be a 2-1 win. Gerrard to put us 1-0 up from the spot and then Alonso will put us 2-0 up with a freekick.

A Spurs fan I'm mates with was saying how often Keane used to run rings around Gallas when they used to come up against each other in the North London derbies. Let's hope that continues today...

Made up for Insua, let's hope he seizes his chance. Shame about Masch, he's such an important player for us now. I just hope Alonso is at his best and runs that midfield, or we might get overrun.

Bit nervous about this one, I think a draw would be an okay result, but a win would be superb.

Where's the confidence gone in everyone? We're favourites fo this no matter what the media says. Masch and Rafa are big losses but it'll make us hungrier!