Arsenal face stiff test against Liverpool

United, Chelsea face injury selection dilemma.

LONDON:

Kenny Dalglish’s new look Liverpool travel to face a depleted Arsenal side today in what has turned into a career-defining match for the Gunners’ manager.

Arsene Wenger will be without suspended Gervinho and Alex Song, while Jack Wilshere and six others are set to continue their recovery. Liverpool, meanwhile, will be without influential captain Steven Gerrard, who has been sidelined with injury till the end of September.

Up north, Manchester City will attempt to build on their impressive opening victory over Swansea when they travel to Bolton on Sunday. All eyes will be on Sergio Aguero, who lit up the 4-0 win over Swansea with two goals and an assist during a scintillating second-half cameo.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s preparations have been disrupted by an injury to goal-keeper Petr Cech. Chelsea’s manager Villas-Boas must now decide between Hilario or Ross Turnbull, as he looks to secure his first win as the Blues face West Brom at home.

Elsewhere, Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic is set to face up to five weeks on the sideline with a calf injury. Sir Alex confirmed that Vidic, along with fellow defender Rio Ferdinand, had picked up the injuries in last Sunday’s 2-1 victory at West Brom.





Published in The Express Tribune, August 20^th, 2011.