Arsenal vs Liverpool - Match Thread

French youngster Damien Plessis is in the starting line-up to face Arsenal at the Emirates.
The defensive midfielder is one of eight changes made by Rafa Benitez from Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
 
The Reds line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the 12.45pm kick off.
 
Here's the XI in full: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Lucas, Plessis, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Gerrard, Torres, Voronin.

French youngster Damien Plessis is in the starting line-up to face Arsenal at the Emirates.
The defensive midfielder is one of eight changes made by Rafa Benitez from Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg.
 
The Reds line up in a 4-1-4-1 formation for the 12.45pm kick off.
 
Here's the XI in full: Reina, Arbeloa, Finnan, Skrtel, Carragher, Riise, Pennant, Benayoun, Lucas, Plessis, Crouch. Subs: Itandje, Hyypia, Gerrard, Torres, Voronin.

Plessis?  Another Academy graduate tossing his hat in the air.....

It is good to see a young player like Plessis in the starting line-up. this will encourage other young player to train very hard every section.

I'm excited to see how Plessis performs, it's good to see some youngsters playing in the 1st team.

Rafa's made it clear where his priorities lie at the moment with the annoucement of this starting XI. He's taking a risk because if we get nothing from this match and the Bitters get 3 points then we'll be looking over our shoulder again, but I think that we are so close in the Champion's League now that he has made the right choice. Still, I'm staying optimistic as we have players with a point to prove today so they should be going for it 110%. Hopefully a small victory, but I'd be more than happy with a draw all things considered.

Come on you Reds!

Interesting line-up. Now if I could only see the game!  I'm still surprised poor old Nemeth doesn't get a chance! He's on fire in the rezzies and he should have at least made the bench today I think.

Pre Match Report : Arsene Wenger & Rafa Benitez talking about the match
Click Here for Video

The line up

              Reina

Finnan  Carragher  Skrtel  Arbeloa

              Plessis

      Benanyun   Lucas

Pennant                Riise

            Crouch

The introduction of the young Damian is interesting. I have wanted this young lad to debut in the first team.

Just tuned in and talk about changes! Hope Plessis goes good.

Crouch Shoot (Min 2)  
Click Here for Video 

Crouch has lovely touches. Good connection with Pennant there.

Sorry hows things out of 10? Wife's been Skyping to Oz!

The defense line has been good so far.

Sorry hows things out of 10? Wife's been Skyping to Oz!

For now i will say a 7 that looks to improve. LFC taking the game to Arsenal.

Crouch is looking good, providing us with some Offense. It would be a shame to lose him over the summer !

Riise just missed a good one!!!!!!!!!!!!

Should of used his better foot.

Riise on his right foot though. Great ball by Crouchy.

This team is really taking the game to Arse. good.

we playing really well considering we havent got gerrard or torres! crouchy playing well

Not a bad opening 20 minutes, Crouch has looked a threat & Plessis hasn't looked out of place either. If the game stays the same I can see us winning today.

A Shot over the goal by Riise after great pass of Crouch 17
Click Here for Video

The shot may have been spooned, but it's good to see Plessis has got the balls to have a go.