Arsenal build-up thread

[dww]

Further to my earlier comments:

I think the down turn in Arsenal's form is purely from being psychologically drained. Like we have found in previous years a change to CL football can be as good as a rest. I think form in the two competitions as such can be largely decoupled.

I think we have to make the game into a battle for them all over the park. No matter what make them work hard and have to try to change things tactically. Aim to break down their moves early on and then keep possession for ourselves without taking risks.

[Roboklopp]

Aye, we cannot write them off by any stretch

[Marky]

0-0 wouldn't be a good result.

We need to score at the Emirates.

Arsenal are more than capable than scoring at Anfield. Way more capable than Chelsea ever were.

[Shaggy]

0-0 wouldn't be a good result.

We need to score at the Emirates.

Arsenal are more than capable than scoring at Anfield. Way more capable than Chelsea ever were.

0-0 would be okay. Indeed a 2-1 or even a 1-0 reverse would be okay. The main objective has to be to get back to Anfield still in the game. We cannot afford a drubbing, obviously.

Today’s gonna be a looooooooong day.

[dww]

I think we have to give ourselves confidence as such I believe we need at least to score and be within a goal at the end of the game. I would say the worth of a 0-0 result could be partly down to how the game goes. With another two games against them to come a 0-0 in which we batter them could do us a lot of good and avoid complacency. I would bloody hate a 0-0.

I actually think a score draw is the likely result, which is good for us IMO.

[Guest]

Hopefully we won't have an inferiority complex.

[dww]

Hopefully we won't have an inferiority complex.

Indeed. I think what is key though is that we use our head. We went searching for the ball and lost all shape against United - we have to learn from that.

[Pablo]

I am missing this game as I have an exam for Spanish class tonight That's commitment.

Even so Im very nervous about tonight. If this is played like a league game I think we could be in trouble. IM just hoping we can pick up an away goal early on in the game. I think that would really dent their confidence as I think they are a little fragile at the moment.

[Sarb]

Have serious concerns also about the game tonight. Just a bad feeling that Arsenal will knck us out of the competition. We need to score a goal. That's key for me

[Shaggy]

I am missing this game as I have an exam for Spanish class tonight That's commitment.

Even so Im very nervous about tonight. If this is played like a league game I think we could be in trouble. IM just hoping we can pick up an away goal early on in the game. I think that would really dent their confidence as I think they are a little fragile at the moment.

That IS commitment. ****ing hell.

[Rich]

The danger is giving Arsenal the space to play; we're on a tight rope of keeping it tight at the back, stopping Arsenal playing, yet being dangerous in attack.

It's a real war of tactics tonight.

Our mindset should be of a win tonight, to score a goal (without conceding 3 or more)

Arsenal more than any other top team are dependent on confidence (I believe, owing to their relative youth and inexperience in key attacking players)

[Sarb]

I wish Agger was playing.I'd be more confident

[Kenneth]

Indeed. I think what is key though is that we use our head. We went searching for the ball and lost all shape against United - we have to learn from that.

We should do what the mancs do against Arsenal; kick them off the park for the first 20 mins.

[Exiled_red]

I think we need to score at least 1 away goal and avoid defeat, as I feel Arsenal have the attacking power to score at Anfield, and I feel the tie is going to be tight, one goal either way could decide it so an away goal is vital IMO

[rage]

if we sit back they'll tear us apart. Its clearly evident that they don't like teams getting stuck in and tonight will be a massive game for masch and alonso.

Whilst i'd love to see crouch and torres upfront i think we all know it'll be a 4231. The only ?marks are:

- will we play hypia and move carra right back? not sure we need to with arsenal not being famous for their crossing and heading ability (touches wood)

- will it be Riise or Aurelio, and Yossi or Babel?

We need to get stuck in, no silly two banks of 4 defenders all game, they'll break us down. Gerrard needs to stay up the pitch and link up with Torres.