Premier League
Arsenal v Liverpool
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Date: Wednesday, 10 February
Kick-off: 1945
Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the Day
Team News
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is hoping for his first start since October against Liverpool. The Gunners, who have only scored once in three games, are still missing striker Eduardo with a torn hamstring.
Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos begins a three-match ban for his sending off against Everton. Martin Skrtel is likely to be recalled in his place, with Jamie Carragher remaining at right back because of Glen Johnson's ongoing knee problem.
The days of the ‘Invincibles’ are long gone, says Ian Wright
Arsenal goalscoring legend Ian Wright reluctantly accepts the last ten days have proved that Arsene Wenger’s men are not Premier League title contenders.
Belittling defeats at the hands of Manchester United and Chelsea have unveiled weaknesses in the Arsenal ranks that mean they have too much ground to make up.
Wright says: “After managing just one point from a possible nine, Arsenal have proved they are no longer serious title contenders. My worry is that within just a few weeks, Arsene Wenger's team will have nothing whatsoever to play for this season.
“An exit from European competition would put even more pressure on not only Wenger but the board which remains unwilling to spend major money on revamping the first team.
“I'm sure Porto's scouts will have watched Arsenal's last few games and they'll probably fancy their chances.
“Arsenal have now played the top two twice this season and lost all four matches. They've scored just twice and let in 10 and that's just not good enough. It shows weakness all round.”
“Even though Arsenal have the Champions League straw to cling to, I'm not sure they're capable of going all the way. You obviously don't have to be a tactical genius to work out something is wrong.”
“There are not enough strong, experienced players within the group. Wenger needs to bring in quality right through the spine of the team, with a new keeper, striker, midfielder and central defender all required.”
“The club's days of the Invincibles are long gone. And as we saw on Sunday, Arsenal cannot handle players like Didier Drogba.”
