Arsenal run into Liverpool

After consecutive home defeats, Premier League leaders Arsenal will look to reassert their title credentials when they host third-place Liverpool in a top-of-the-table affair on Saturday.

Arsenal have been in superb form in the league, winning seven and drawing one of their last eight games to establish a two-point lead over Chelsea at the summit.

However, after losing at home to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and then falling to Chelsea in the League Cup, questions are being asked about their capacity to go the distance.

In Liverpool, they face a team brimming with confidence after a 4-1 win over West Bromwich Albion in which Luis Suarez claimed a hat-trick and Daniel Sturridge scored with an extravagant chip.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who will recall stars including Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud to his starting XI, says the game represents an ideal opportunity for his side to show their worth.

“We know the games. We have to respond well against Liverpool,” said the Frenchman.

“We are in a strong position in the league and have a good opportunity at home, and we have to turn this round. Away from home we are very solid, but at home you know it’s important and vital to win the big games.”

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed that Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho has been given the “all clear” to return to action, having been sidelined since September 16 with a shoulder problem.

Arsenal could be in second place by the time the game kicks off at the Emirates Stadium, if Chelsea win at Newcastle United in Saturday’s early match.

The Europa League champions won all six of their games in October, scoring 18 goals, but right-back Cesar Azpilicueta has warned his team-mates not to get carried away.

“It’s true that Arsenal have two really difficult games, but we don’t need to look to the other teams,” said the Spaniard, who opened the scoring in his side’s 2-0 League Cup win at the Emirates on Tuesday.

“We play in a difficult stadium in Newcastle and we know it’s always a hard game there.”

Newcastle enjoyed a 3-2 win over Chelsea in last season’s corresponding fixture in February, but they may be hampered by the after-effects of Wednesday’s 2-0 extra-time defeat at home to Manchester City in the League Cup. City are six points off the pace after going down 2-1 at Chelsea last weekend and will hope to make up ground on the teams above them when they tackle Norwich City at the Etihad Stadium.

Joe Hart is fighting to hold onto his place as City’s first-choice goalkeeper, having committed the latest in a succession of blunders to hand Chelsea victory at Stamford Bridge.

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