Arsène Wenger thinks that Arsenal have exceeded many people's expectations simply by remaining in the top four, but the larger truth is that they could easily be competing hard for the title if it were not for some very avoidable lapses, which include three defeats at home. This weekend, victory over Liverpool would take them to within four points of leaders Manchester United, who have a game to come at the Emirates. Liverpool possess in Andy Carroll exactly the sort of centre-forward who could cause havoc in Arsenal's defence. Kevin McCarra

Venue Emirates StadiumTickets Sold out

Last season Arsenal 1 Liverpool 0

Referee A Marriner

This season's matches 22 Y73, R3, 3.45 cards per game

Odds Arsenal 4-5 Liverpool 4-1 Draw 5-2

Arsenal v Liverpool: Probable starters in bold, contenders in light. Photograph: Graphic

Arsenal

Subs from Almunia, Lehmann, Diaby, Rosicky, Walcott, Denílson, Ramsey, Djourou, Eboué, Chamakh, Bendtner

Doubtful Almunia (ankle), Denílson (toe), Djourou (shoulder), Ramsey (groin), Sagna (knee), Song (knee), Szczesny (finger)

Injured Vermaelen (achilles, May), Fabianski (shoulder, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide WDDDWW

Disciplinary record Y53 R6

Leading scorer Van Persie 12

Liverpool

Subs from Gulacsi, Poulsen, Kyrgiakos, Rodríguez, Cole, Ngog, Jovanovic, Hansen, Wilson, Shelvey, Robinson

Doubtful None

Injured Johnson (hamstring, 23 Apr), Kelly (hamstring, May), Agger (knee, Aug), Gerrard (groin, Aug)

Suspended None

Form guide WLWWLD

Disciplinary record Y52 R2

Leading scorer Carroll 13

Match pointers

• Arsenal have taken just eight points from their games against the current top six, fewer than any of their rivals

• Liverpool have won only one of their last 10 Premier League games against Arsenal and none of the past seven, though five of those have ended in draws

• Robin van Persie has scored 20 goals in his past 21 Premier League starts

• Liverpool have lost five of their last six league fixtures in London

• There have been more hat-tricks in this fixture than any other in Premier League history