Another journey to the north-west brings a chance to build momentum.
This season has been one of inconsistencies so far, for every team, but if we can continue our habit of collecting three points from the weaker sides in the league, we will remain in contention at the top of the table.
Despite losing to Chelsea, Man City and Man Utd already, we are potentially only three points off the top of the table. Our loss away to Sunderland is probably the only truly disappointing result of the season and that can be partly explained by the international break that preceded the game. Winning at Anfield will have given the squad a massive confidence boost and the Christmas period could position us perfectly going into the new year. We have six league games between now and the 9th January and eighteen points is very possible. Aston Villa provide the only top opposition, on the 27th at the Grove, and although they are on a good run of form, we are still a better side.
Burnley are the first of those six matches and have been formidable at home. The freezing conditions expected this evening will give Alan Hansen the perfect excuse for an Arsenal defeat but Wenger is in no mood for excuses. Some have suggested he has spoilt his squad up until now but Sunday’s outburst at half-time suggests the manager is not indulging in hyperbole when he declares that this team should be able to win the league this season.
Denilson and Traore picked up knocks at Anfield and are out of tonight’s game but Eboue returns. Diaby will be the favourite to replace Denilson in midfield and presumably Silvestre will step in for Traore unless Wenger is tempted to put the more athletic Eboue in at left back. Although the last time the Ivorian was played on the left he ended up being booed off the pitch.
Tiredness only affects teams who are on a losing run so the players that featured on Sunday should be at 100% and although Wenger will be fearful of picking up more injuries, there is only so far he can rotate without damaging our chances. Prediction: 1-0 to the Arse.