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New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson will be thinking the fixture computer has been particularly unkind to them this season with a run of high profile games starting with Arsenal on Sunday.
Fernando Torres will be missing for the match, but although this is good news for Arsenal, they have their own problems to think about. Captain Cesc Fabregas and striker Robin van Persie are both unlikely to be fully match fit in time, although the is a possibility that either one could get a run-out.
In light of Torres’s absence striker David N’Gog will get a rare Liverpool start, especially in a game of this importance. Joe Cole seems to have settled into the team well and fans will hope he has a big impact this year. A lot of Liverpool’s success though depends on the fitness of their star duo Torres and Gerrard.
A lot of Arsenal’s problems last season came from their lack of squad depth. With the addition of Marouane Chamakh to the squad this season they have extra options up front. Chamakh has impressed so far in pre-season, especially with this home debut goal against AC Milan.
Being the first game of the season both teams will be eager for a win, however games like this can sometimes be a cagey affair and we are backing a draw.
Back the draw @ [3.4]
Back both teams to score @ [1.9]
Back 1-1 @ [7.2]
