FA Cup: Arsenal v Liverpool match preview

A look ahead to the fifth round fixture at the weekend

Arsene Wenger looks on from the bench (GETTY IMAGES)

Arsene Wenger will be seeking to rejuvenate his Arsenal side in their FA Cup fifth-round clash with Liverpool on Sunday, as the Gunners aim to recover from their 5-1 mauling at Anfield last weekend.

Arsenal suffered arguably their worst defeat of the season at the hands of the Reds, and Wenger will undoubtedly need a victory at the Emirates Stadium in order to galvanise his squad.

The Gunners seemed fairly tentative in their draw against Manchester United on Wednesday, as Wenger admitted after the game that his team lacked confidence to push forward and seize a win. Arsenal have only lost twice at home since their humiliating defeat to Aston Villa in August, but having said that, both defeats subsequently occurred in cup competitions.

Arsenal boast a more favourable record against Liverpool in the FA Cup, having played 16 times, winning seven and losing five - though Brendan Rodgers’ side haven’t lost since December, and both losses in that month were slender defeats against Premier League leaders Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and second-placed Manchester City at the Etihad.

KICK-OFF: Sunday 16.00pm

LAST THREE MEETINGS :

Liverpool 5 – 1 Arsenal (Premier League, 8 Feb 2014)

Arsenal 2 – 0 Liverpool (Premier League, 2 Nov 2013)

Arsenal 2 – 2 Liverpool (Premier League, 30 Jan 2013)

STATS

The last time Arsenal conceded five against Liverpool at Anfield was in 1963/64 and the following fixture between the two sides at Highbury ended 0-0.

Suarez has scored 23 of Liverpool’s goals this season. That’s the same number of goals as he scored all of last season. Suarez has taken 84 fewer shots to score those 23 goals this year over last (103 v. 187).

ODDS

Arsenal win: 8/5

Liverpool win: 13/8

Draw: 23/10

TV: BT Sport 1 at 4pm, highlights on ITV 1 at 10.30pm