This weekend, Rafael Benitez has a chance to show his hugely impatient paymasters how his similarly dissolving Liverpool stand in comparison to a team with genuine championship credentials. Lose, and his plans for Christmas will suddenly become much clearer. On Boxing Day, not traditionally celebrated in most of Spain, Liverpool are due to play Derby at 3 o’clock. Will Rafael Benitez be there?
For Liverpool’s chances of keeping Mr Benitez in a job, read on…
LIVERPOOL
Last six: WDLWWD
Last six at home: DLWWDD
Injuries: Torres (thigh, doubtful); Aurelio (calf/shin, doubtful); Agger (metatarsal fracture, Nov 3); Kewell (groin, Oct 28).
Suspensions: Pourie
ARSENAL
Last six: WWWWWW
Last six away: WWWDWD
Injuries: Senderos (back, Nov 3); Van Persie (knee, Nov 24).
Suspensions: Senderos
Liverpool to break Arsenal’s spell
» chickendinner superfact: The last two times Liverpool have nicked a victory at Everton they have immediately won their next home league game – in December 2005 they beat West Brom 1-0 and in September 2003 they beat Leicester 2-1.
» chickendinner superfact: Arsenal have travelled poorly to Merseyside in the Premier League in recent times. They haven't even got a point in their last five games in the area – three defeats at Liverpool, two at Everton.
» Liverpool have lost just one of the last thirty-nine home Premier League games (stretching back to October 2005) – that was a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in March 2007.
» The visit of Arsenal in the Premier League last season brought out the best in Liverpool – they struck four goals – no other team conceded more at Anfield in the league last season.
» Liverpool have had much the better of Arsenal at Anfield in the Premier League: Their record reads, P15 W9 D3 L3.
» chickendinner Da Vinci Code moment: Last time these two played on the October 28, Liverpool stormed it 5-0. Mind you it was back in 1893.
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For Liverpool’s chances of keeping Mr Benitez in a job, read on…
LIVERPOOL
Last six: WDLWWD
Last six at home: DLWWDD
Injuries: Torres (thigh, doubtful); Aurelio (calf/shin, doubtful); Agger (metatarsal fracture, Nov 3); Kewell (groin, Oct 28).
Suspensions: Pourie
ARSENAL
Last six: WWWWWW
Last six away: WWWDWD
Injuries: Senderos (back, Nov 3); Van Persie (knee, Nov 24).
Suspensions: Senderos
Liverpool to break Arsenal’s spell
» chickendinner superfact: The last two times Liverpool have nicked a victory at Everton they have immediately won their next home league game – in December 2005 they beat West Brom 1-0 and in September 2003 they beat Leicester 2-1.
» chickendinner superfact: Arsenal have travelled poorly to Merseyside in the Premier League in recent times. They haven't even got a point in their last five games in the area – three defeats at Liverpool, two at Everton.
» Liverpool have lost just one of the last thirty-nine home Premier League games (stretching back to October 2005) – that was a 1-0 defeat to Manchester United in March 2007.
» The visit of Arsenal in the Premier League last season brought out the best in Liverpool – they struck four goals – no other team conceded more at Anfield in the league last season.
» Liverpool have had much the better of Arsenal at Anfield in the Premier League: Their record reads, P15 W9 D3 L3.
» chickendinner Da Vinci Code moment: Last time these two played on the October 28, Liverpool stormed it 5-0. Mind you it was back in 1893.
More
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