Premier League preview: Arsenal v Liverpool

Arsenal and Liverpool will be aiming for their first win of the Premier League season when they meet at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Both sides could only gain a point on the opening day, with Arsenal held to a goalless draw by Newcastle United while Liverpool – despite a brilliant first half – could only draw 1-1 with Sunderland.

With the Cesc Fabregas transfer saga finally over after the Spanish midfielder’s 29.7-million-pound move to Barcelona, Arsenal will look to strengthen their squad immediately, especially with fellow midfielder Samir Nasri’s expected departure.

But injuries to Abou Diaby (ankle) and Jack Wilshere (ankle) have left the Gunners incredibly short in midfield and there may not be enough time for Arsene Wenger to add to his squad before Liverpool visit North London.

That gives the Merseysiders the upper hand and Arsenal’s problems are in stark contrast to their opponents, who added Jordan Henderson (Sunderland), Charlie Adam (Blackpool) and Stewart Downing (Aston Villa) to their range of midfielders in the transfer window.

Liverpool are slightly weakened by the injuries to captain Steven Gerrard (groin) and defenders Glen Johnson (hamstring) and Martin Skrtel (calf) but they have significantly more cover than their opponents.

Downing impressed on his Anfield debut on Saturday and was only denied what would have been an early contender for goal of the season by the crossbar.

Luis Suarez found the back of the net in the match and looked threatening in partnership with Andy Carroll, meaning a torrid time is expected for Arsenal defenders Thomas Vermaelen and Laurent Koscielny.

Arsenal also have good attacking options of their own at their disposal, with Theo Walcott, who scored on Tuesday against Udinese in a UEFA Champions League qualifier, and new captain Robin Van Persie sure to cause Liverpool problems.

Both of the fixtures between the two sides last season ended in 1-1 draws, with their clash in April famous for a spat between Kenny Dalglish and Wenger on the touchline after the match, in the wake of Dirk Kuyt’s 102nd-minute equaliser from the penalty spot.

Another exciting match is in store on Saturday, with both sides keen not to lose any further ground on title rivals Manchester United and Manchester City by gaining all three points.