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ARSENAL: Key Battles: The players to watch on Saturday

/noticias.info/ Liverpool and Arsenal will clash in the Premier League on Saturday, a fixture that is bookended by a Champions League Quarter-Final between the pair. Round One arguably went in favour of the Merseysiders but with differing aspirations for the domestic season in either camp, you can be sure that Arsenal will be keen to bite back. The last domestic meeting ended a draw and a repeat result is likely to suit Liverpool more than their hosts. This season Arsenal.com will be identifying the key battles for each Premier League game and bringing you all the statistics and information a fan could need. Swot up now and come Saturday you'll be impressing anyone who'll listen with your new-found knowledge.

Theo Walcott v Sami Hyypia
Young meets old this weekend as injuries to Arsenal’s frontline will likely see Theo Walcott step into the breach. The 19-year-old is in the midst of a fine run of form and has made several key contributions in recent weeks. He has been used largely as an impact player from the bench, and a start on Saturday will be just rewards. Blessed with explosive pace, Walcott can turn defence into attack, and a half-chance into a goal. He has two assists and two goals to his name so far this season, but with 11 successful dribbles, it is clear where his strengths are. Sami Hyypia on the other hand is at the end of his career. The Finn came to England an unknown but grew to one of the most fearsome defenders in the League — bad news for Arsenal is that he is enjoying a second wind. Injuries have thrust Hyypia back into side and he has accomplished his tasks with aplomb. The 34-year old has notched once, and missed just seven tackles.

Mathieu Flamini v Steven Gerrard
Stop Steven Gerrard, stop Liverpool seems to be the general consensus. The one time Arsenal didn’t on Wednesday night it cost them dear. The local hero has been the heartbeat of the Anfield side for several years now and his season’s statistics are no different — scoring on 10 occasions and laying on the final ball the same amount. Gerrard has completed a hugely impressive 309 passes but does seem to have trouble finding a team-mate when crossing — the 27- year-old has been unsuccessful 50 times. Mathieu Flamini has only recently made the central midfield his domain. The Frenchman was used as a utility man in his early days at Arsenal but has stamped his authority on the holding role this term. He seems equally adept going forward as he is holding — three goals, 21 clearances is testament to that.

William Gallas v Fernando Torres
Nobody quite believed that Fernando Torres would make quite the impact that he has since that multi-million pound summer move from Athletico Madrid. The Spanish international has registered a creditable 21 league goals this season and has got three assists to boot. Torres only needs a sniff in order to change a game. He can combine blistering pace with a fierce shot — 51 efforts have hit the target — and the fact he has won 10 tackles show he is willing to defend from the front. Torres had a quiet night by his high standards in the Champions League and could largely be down to William Gallas. The Club captain notched his fourth goal of the season at Bolton last time out, but that is not of course where he specialises. The Frenchman has made 48 clearances and won 13 tackles this term, as well as leading the team exceptionally well throughout. notas_de_prensa_archivo