As usual, The Emirates cup was retained in spectacular fashion last week, and the fans can't wait for the real action next weekend. Liverpool must have put plans in motion to entertain us at Anfield as the new season kicks off in style, unfortunately The Reds who are coincidentally one of the biggest names in club football are currently experiencing some technical glitches, no thanks to their unresolved ownership status. The club's American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett are reportedly in deep talks with interested buyers, so it is pretty obvious they won't be calling the ruinous shots at the Merseyside club soon.
The club is currently swimming in murky financial waters, this situation has prompted a lot of suggestions from different quarters regarding the state of the club's affairs both on/off the pitch. Arsenal's illustrious host won't be friendly at all - revenge will definitely be on the cards, but on a serious note Roy Hodgson's men would love to start on a strong foot this time. A win for them on the opening day of the season will set the ball in motion as Hodgson attempts to proffer a lasting solution to their four year barren run.
Liverpool are in dire need of favourable results, and Hodgson knows the only way to sway the Anfield faithful and even the superstars under the club's payroll lies in his ability to conjure wins from nothing, especially against the Epl's big boys.
If things don't go as planned, Hodgson might not be able to retain his boys' services under the guise of their contractual cheque's, Fernando Torres in particular. The highly coveted Spanish striker has reiterated his commitment to the club's cause, but has coyly refused to confirm or refute speculation linking him with a big money move away from the troubled club - Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona are thought to be the likely destinations if, if is good.
The Reds can boast of an acceptable midfield quota, an equally deadly attack, but a frail defence might prove to be their undoing, if the defense-inclined Argentina captain Javier Mascherano is allowed to have his Real way. Of course, the manager would be forced to spend if the eventuality arises, and the possibility of such an event will culminate in the promotion of a selected few into his first team.
Former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, is itching to justify the huge pay he recieves, this in fact, is good news to Hodgson and his fellow risk takers. Cole's ingenuity will come to the fore sooner than later, and his ability to exchange lightening and precise passes as well as, dictation of the midfield proceedings will come in handy if Mascherano decides enough is enough and bids farewell to his supporters and wellwishers.
Well, this invariably means the likes of Aquilani (assuming he postpones his regular date with the team's physio), Lucas and Steven Gerrard won't have a lot to do on the pitch, this lovely incentive might give Torres and Kuyt (the pair are likely to retain their positions in a highly accomodating formation up front) a bit of an advantage as they race to score goals, compared to last year's disastrous system put in place by former Reds Boss Rafa Benitez. It's too early to second guess the likely formation Hodgson might employ against Arsenal, but I bet our boys are equal to the task.
Meanwhile, Arsenal's luck with injuries can't be overstated. We aren't under pressure as most people will have you believe. Wenger's squad is balanced to an extent, make no mistake about it, the gaffer didn't promise us another signing, Wenger only said he might consider the option of signing a defensive player if, if is good. I'm just kidding guys. Hopefully, he'll make the right choice.
Ahead of our trip to Anfield, our duo of, sorry! trio of, anyway I've lost count of the absentees. From the look of things, Alex Song, Denilson Neves, Abou Diaby and Nicklas Bendtner won't don The Arsenal's colours next week at Anfield. That not withstanding, I expect a decent performance from our boys, and I won't be shocked if Almunia looks out of sorts on the opening day, believe me our #1 needs some time to pull his act together.
