Arsenal will be out to avenge last weekend's
5-1 hammering at Anfield when it hosts
Liverpool in the FA Cup fifth round on
Sunday.
Arsene Wenger's side was blown away in the
first half when the two sides last met, with the
Reds racing into a 4-0 lead inside 20 minutes
thanks to two goals from Martin Skrtel and
one each from Raheem Sterling and Daniel
Sturridge.
Sterling added a fifth after the break before
Mikel Arteta's late consolation penalty, which
could not hide what had been an
embarrassing afternoon for Arsenal. The
Gunners were knocked off the top of the
Premier League later that day courtesy of
Chelsea's 3-0 win over Newcastle United.
Both sides have since been in action during
midweek. Arsenal played out a turgid goalless
draw at home to Manchester United, while
Liverpool needed a last-gasp Steven Gerrard
penalty to overcome bottom-side Fulham 3-2
at Craven Cottage.
The clubs remain in contention for the
Premier League title, with Arsenal a point
behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool three
further back in fourth spot, but their
attentions will switch to the FA Cup this
weekend.
Arsenal overcame north London rival
Tottenham 2-0 in the third round, before
beating League One outfit Coventry City 4-0 to
seal a place in round five.
Liverpool, meanwhile, has faced lower-league
opposition in both of its previous outings,
recording 2-0 wins over both Oldham Athletic
and Bournemouth.
Wenger will welcome back midfielder Mathieu
Flamini for the tie, the Frenchman having
served his three-match suspension for the red
card he picked up in the 2-2 draw at
Southampton, although Aaron Ramsey remains
out and Santi Cazorla is a doubt due to
illness.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, however,
revealed that his squad was likely to be
similar to the one that travelled to Fulham,
though he is unsure whether fullback Glen
Johnson will be fit in time.
"He's working very well," he said. "I'm not
sure he'll be ready for the game this weekend
but if we can have a good week next week
he'll be very close.
"He looks fresher and fitter. That period that
he's had out has really helped him. He's in
good condition but there's still a bit to go
yet."
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