The Champions League draw paired us with AS Roma. Whilst not wanting to denegrate the opposition, it could have been a lot worse. Roma are a decent side and should not be taken lightly. However, they are emminently beatable and represent a good opportunity for progression to the the quarter-finals.

Liverpool pitch up at The Emirates this afternoon, ready to inflict a potentially fatal blow to Arsenal’s title challenge. Well, in the media eyes that is. Whatever the result, the title will not be decided this weekend. It can become increasingly difficult for Arsenal to win it if they fail to beat Liverpool but it ain’t over until the Fat Lady sings. At the moment, she is merely loosening her vocal chords.

A tremendous record this season against the other teams in the ‘big four‘ has been undone by some distinctly poor results against lesser teams. Indeed the coming month will go a long to deciding what sort of season Arsenal will have. Trips to Aston Villa, Hull City and Everton all have to be won as well as this afternoon’s match and the home games against Portsmouth and Bolton. Maximum points in those games and the title challenge will be on, we’ll be looking at this ‘iffy‘ spell, wondering what all of the fuss was about. Mind you, it is all a pretty big ‘if‘ for us to win those games!

In recent days, there has been much talk of revenge for the Champions League exit at Anfield in March. Sorry chaps but this is nothing to do with this afternoon, nor should it have any bearing on the events which transpire. It is over, done with and part of history. We had the chance that March evening and blew it.

Samir Nasri is set to return for the game and that is good news, providing some much needed width to the side. In truth, Wenger’s options for change from last weekend are limited due to the injuries. It seems likely that Diaby will make way for Nasri, leaving Song to partner Cesc in the middle.

I suspect that the starting line-up will be:

Almunia; Sagna, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy; Denilson, Fabregas, Song, Nasri; van Persie, Adebayor

There is little doubt that the team will be able to raise themselves for the challenge that Liverpool present. In many respects, they are not much different to Chelsea in style but they will no doubt be more obdurate, especially since there is no real attacking onus upon them.

Like Arsenal, they have beaten United at home and Chelsea away. They should not be underestimated in that sense nor should Arsenal be lulled into any false sense of security due to the good home record that we have against them since the last home league defeat in the 1999-2000 season.

A win is vital. Wenger has been quite vocal in his demand for better support from ‘those close to the club‘ and there is no doubt that a vociferous crowd at The Emirates would lift the players, it is a two-way street. Their dynamism in performing lifts the crowd and more to the point, stretch the visitors to breaking point.

Enjoy the match wherever you are watching it.