Pre-match thread: Arsenal vs Liverpool 2nd November 17:30

The countdown to kick off is wrong. Someone fix that please as I'm relying on that to avoid DST confusion for tomorrow morning

The countdown to kick off is wrong. Someone fix that please as I'm relying on that to avoid DST confusion for tomorrow morning

Right time for me, works out as a 1730 GMT kick off. 

Right time for me, works out as a 1730 GMT kick off. 

mine works out at 17.30 as well, but I'm on a 8 hour time difference wih England.

^ same as he said. It used to be ok though.

My clock says kick off is in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Which makes it 5:30pm local time in Australia (currently 1:15pm).

Can't wait for this. F***ing late kick offs.

Im so excited cant sleep well, Ive been feeling anxiously all week long, invited a couple friends over to watch the game, just for the good football though, well wake and bake and make all my friends cheer loudly for Liverpool all the way from Costa Rica, Im am sincerely expecting a win, I seriously think we can do it, and ill be extremely dissapointed if we dont.

In laws over at circa 7pm...

I feel for them, either a great night or I will be a total bellend and in a shocking mood. Was debating watching this on MOTD, but havent missed a game since PSV in 2006 (my first date with my now wife). So effectivley she is to blame for this...

That said, this will be a great game! I cant pick much between us - I always think Arsenal are lightweight but this cant be the case as I seldom see them (especially at home) get battered. We need to do what Dortmund did, which is easier said than done! Keep Ozil quiet and watch his head drop and Carzola needs to be out of the game... Their defence should give us at least 3 opportunities this game, its simply a case of if we take them or not. I cant see is shipping 4 goals to them so in my mind we should win if we take all of our chances...

Courthinio, not Henderson.

Really?

I mean how long has he been here now for the name to be a problem?

On your point about the two though I disagree and for me it has to be the same side as last week as the midfield is going to be crucial in this game and the three of Lucas, Gerrard and Henderson offer the most in terms of solidity right now and add that to the form of our front two I think it will be enough.

Coutinho can be our impact sub coming off the bench and then the following week we can see where he fits into the side.

Today's game has to be about the team, not just Sturridge and Suarez. You get by beating lesser quality teams with two player in hot form. But Arsenal will go out to stop SAS and attack us. Midfield is key. Lose the battle their, we will struggle all over the pitch. Defensive selections will be interesting to see. Skrtel and Sakho have been in good form. Still wouldn't rule out Agger being thrown in to the mix.

Not going to lie, I am quite nervous. A win today could put us in good stead. That said, if we lose, it isn't the end of the world as some would lead you to believe. However, important to try put down a marker. Come on Reds!!

Skrtel and Sakho have been in good form. Still wouldn't rule out Agger being thrown in to the mix.

My thoughts on this are the same for the midfield Semps. I just don't think this is a game to make the change at the back after the three have had a settled spell in the side.

I'm not as nervous as I probably should be though and have a feeling we will get the win although it won't be an easy 3 points.

If our midfield turns up i think this will be the key to the game ,do their job and it will allow sas to have a good go at them and there is no defence out there that can contain them for the 90 without us having no chances, if we take them we will win come on you reds lets fire a warning out to all who are watching, slowly but surely on our way back ,

                                                   step up lads this is your chance
                                                     to lay down a marker.

The key for me is how Lucas and Gerrard play. If they have a big influence on the game, then I really think we can come away with the points.

If Gerrard drifts and Lucas keeps getting beat and gives fouls away though, I can't see us doing well.

Sturridge and Suarez are on form so you'll expect at least one or two good chances, regardless of how the team plays. Arsenal play so far up the pitch these days when attacking set pieces so that is certainly something to keep in mind when getting ready to break.

We can certainly beat Arsenal today. Just depends how much the team want it. If we go to sleep in the middle of the field though, I can't see us picking up anything.

Anyone else notice the amount of interviews the club are releasing with players saying how '3 points will send out a message'. Henderson, Johnson, Cissohko all have had one in the last day.

Wish we wouldn't. We always do this when we're on a good run, come out say all these things and get ahead of ourselves before we inevitably get taken down a peg or two and left looking silly.

Still think we've got a win in us here, West Brom was our best performance of the season, need to carry that into this game and cut out the sloppy defensive errors.

Just realized we're probably going to be wearing "that" kit today.

My thoughts on this are the same for the midfield Semps. I just don't think this is a game to make the change at the back after the three have had a settled spell in the side.

I'm not as nervous as I probably should be though and have a feeling we will get the win although it won't be an easy 3 points.

To be honest, I go along with that as well. Don't fix if it isn't broken. If, however, things are looking shaky, I don't think Brendan will hesitate to bring Dagger back in.

Just realized we're probably going to be wearing "that" kit today.

I love it so keep calm

^^ yup "that" kit looks ugly like a Decepticon design. Hope we pulverize them like all good Decepticons do.

My clock says kick off is in 4 hours and 15 minutes. Which makes it 5:30pm local time in Australia (currently 1:15pm).

Can't wait for this. F***ing late kick offs.

Mate it is 9.43 pm Saturday night now..KO is at 4.30am (AEST) Tomoz (Sunday) morning...not 5.30?? Better check your clock bud.


EDIT: F***ing Nervous...Go Reds.

Not going to be able to catch this one today, hope we make a statement of intent on the title really take it to them. 3-1 Reds, Sturridge scores two, Luis one.

The key for me is how Lucas and Gerrard play. If they have a big influence on the game, then I really think we can come away with the points.

If Gerrard drifts and Lucas keeps getting beat and gives fouls away though, I can't see us doing well.

Agreed. Midfield, as ever, is the key mate; even more so against this lot. They don't like it up 'em. We need to take turns hitting them quick and hard. Intensity and concentration the key. At the back (if we go three) the three need to know who's doing what/who and when.

It'll be tough but stay focused, remain intense and we can do them over.

Agreed. Midfield, as ever, is the key mate; even more so against this lot. They don't like it up 'em.

True, but then again--does anyone? 

Wilshire out for this one... So a midfield of Arteta and Ramsey will be the key and Ozil playing behind Giroude...

That is indeed positive news and will give us a lift!

Wilshire out for this one... So a midfield of Arteta and Ramsey will be the key and Ozil playing behind Giroude...

That is indeed positive news and will give us a lift!

Wilshere is massively overrated. Arteta will be disciplined and Ramsey in fine form.

Don't think it changes much with Wilshere missing.

Need to expose Arsenal in wide positions to open their midfield up. I expect to see a ton of Suarez drifting to wide positions