Open Thread: Liverpool v. Arsenal

Could today's match be as big as the match 20 years past pictured above?

Big 4 tilt today in the Premier League. Liverpool hopes to continue to press Man U in the title chase and Arsenal hopes to continue its fine form and 18 match unbeaten streak.

Both sides will be at less than full strength. Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard remains out with an adductor injury. Arsenal will have several key players in the Krankenhaus. Strikers Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin Van Persie are both out, William Gallas, Gael Clichy, Johan Djourou and Manuel Almunia will all miss the tie, but fullback Bacary Sagna and striker Eduardo will mark their return.

Full lineups and a bit of Championship chatter for Bigus after the jump.

Arsenal
Fabianski, Sagna, Toure, Silvestre, Gibbs, Arshavin, Song, Fabregas, Denilson, Nasri, Bendtner
Subs: Mannone, Diaby, Eduardo, Vela, Walcott, Ramsey, Eboue

Liverpool
Reina, Arbeloa, Aurelio, Carragher, Agger, Mascherano, Alonso, Benayoun, Riera, Kuyt, Torres
Subs: Cavalieri, Skrtel, El Zhar, Lucas, Babel, Ngog, Dossena


Whilst we get all wrapped up in a Big 4 matchup, lest we not forget some especially important matchups in the Fizzy Drink. Bigus' beloved Canaries do not hold fate in their hands and need results to go their way to ensure safety. So keep your eyes on the following matches:

Derby County v. Reading - if Reading win a playoff spot will be secured and will have little to play for against Norwich on the 27th.

Coventry City v. Barnsley - on the other end Barnsley sits in the last safe spot ahead of Norwich. Obviously a Coventry win is needed badly for the Birdies. Bigus IMs me saying Coventry owes Norwich for something or rather, but honestly, this is sport there is no oweing except for the gamblers. Let us just hope for the best Norwich results.