Next up for Arsenal in the Premier League is the tough looking trip to Anfield to take on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool next Wednesday. Before that we have the FA cup clash at home to Sunderland and we have already heard their manager Sam Allardyce bitching and moaning about the scheduling of the games and complaining that it will affect their chances in the league.
Arsene Wenger could conceivably feel the same way, because Liverpool’s FA cup game is being played this Friday night and that gives them a bit more time to prepare for the game against us but any advantage that gives the scousers could be nullified and more by the fact that they have an extra game to worry about in the Capital One Cup.
Tonight Klopp takes his players to the Britannia Stadium to face an in form Stoke City and I expect them to field a strong side. This is their best chance by far of winning a trophy as it is already at the semi-final stage and even though the other semi is between Everton and Man City, Klopp will surely feel they have a great chance.
With Liverpool already 12 points behind Arsenal in the league and struggling find consistent form I am sure the German will see this League cup as a golden opportunity. But they will have a really tough game away to Stoke and then two more games in the next seven days, the last of which is against the mighty Arsenal.
So with Wenger planning to rest a few first team players against Sunderland, will Liverpool’s league cup antics give the Gunners a crucial edge in the Premier League race?