Last week's underperforms face off tomorrow.

Out of the opening fixtures to the EPL the two most disappointing performers Arsenal and Liverpool will  dook it out for their first win of the 2011-12 season this Saturday. The highest profile match so-far  with teams in the once fabled top four, should be an exciting spectacle, with both teams going for the throat to grab a win. Arsenal started their season with a flat performance against Newcastle, where a flash point between Gervinho and Joey Barton was the high point in the 0-0 draw. A game played without recently departed captain Fabregas, and next to leave Nasri, Arsenal struggled to impose themselves and secure a win. 

With all the hype of the coming season for Liverpool, signings and all, flattered to deceive in their opening match v. Sunderland, with a second half capitulation. Dalgleish spent a lot on young English talent this summer to justify this, he needs a win. In the first half Liverpool sprung from the gates like a bat out of hell,  but this frenetic energy did not last done by a fantastic strike by Seb Larsson. For Dalgliesh's boys to get off the mark, they need to win silencing, the doubters and installing confidence. 


This need to win should create a fantastic atmosphere, and looking at last year's fixture can re-affirm that. Last year's opener between these clubs ended1-1 with Joe Cole getting sent off on his Liverpool debut. An uncharacteristic howler from Pepe Reina in the final minute, provided service for Chamakh to bury it canceling out an David N'gog strike earlier in the match. This match may serve as the tonic to the hoodoo currently troubling  Joe Cole, assuming he plays. Nasri will not play as he inches closer to his move to City, so the Middie's of Ramsey, Ro-shitsky, and Song must have a good game against the rising tide that is Liverpool's midfield.


Prediction:
Arsenal will still struggle to start, as they lose 2-1. Suarez and Carroll will both score for the Liverpool, and RVP for the Arsenal. 


T.V. 
ESPN 2 
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