Liverpool v Arsenal -
Ch 24 - 1:15 am - (Live)
Liverpool : Reina, Finnan, Carragher, Hyypia,
Agger, Riise, Luis Garcia, Pennant, Gerrard, Zenden, Bellamy,
Crouch, Kuyt, Fowler, Dudek, Guthrie, Hammill, Peltier
Arsenal : Lehmann, Eboue, Toure, Senderos, Clichy,
Fabregas, Hleb, Gilberto, Ljungberg, Baptista, Adebayor, Almunia,
Djourou, Hoyte, Song, Flamini, Walcott, Aliadiere, Henry.
English FA Cup
GERRARD READY TO REPEL GUNNERS
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard is approaching Saturday's FA Cup
clash with Arsenal with a great deal of confidence.
Rafael Benitez's side have not been beaten at Anfield since the 2-0
defeat to Benfica on March 8, which knocked them out of the
Champions League. That is a run of 20 matches and, so far this
season, they have won 14 and drawn two of their home games in all
competitions.
So even though Liverpool face one of the toughest tests in a repeat
of the 2001 final - which Michael Owen won for the Merseysiders
with two late goals - Gerrard is buoyant.
"The draw could have been kinder, but the important thing is we are
at home," the England midfielder told the club's website. "They
will be fearing the tie more than we will. They are a top side with
top players and we know it's going to be a very difficult game.
"But we have proved we can beat anybody at Anfield and I'm sure
it's going to be a terrific match this weekend. We are certainly
all looking forward to it.
"We have got a really strong squad, we are playing well at the
moment and I fancy us to be in the draw for the fourth round."
Benitez's confidence in his team is also growing after six wins in
seven Premiership matches from the start of December.
"As a manager of a team that has a good balance between attack and
defence, I am very happy with the consistency of the team, the
chances we are creating, the good football we are playing and also
the clean sheets," said the Spaniard.
"I think it will be a good month for us."
Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has dismissed speculation linking
him with a return to his homeland, added: on the club's website:
"Liverpool are playing to our best level of the season.
"This is perfect for the beginning of the year with the next big
challenges. To get to third place (in the Premiership) is very
important for morale for us after the problems in the first months
of the league."
