A lot is at stake for both sides. Liverpool desperately need a win to reinvigorate a faltering bid for Champions League football and in doing so take revenge for what they see as the rough justice dished out to them at Highbury earlier in the season. For the champions, an eight-point lead with only thirteen games remaining is the reward for victory.

The clash between the eighteen-times Championship winners and the reigning Premiership kings also throws up a number of fascinating personal duals.

Wenger v Houllier

With his impressive track-record, many expected Gerard Houllier to pose a serious challenge to Arsene Wenger as the top French manager in the Premiership when he arrived four years ago. However, despite the impressive treble cup-winning season of 2000/01, the biggest prizes have so far eluded Houllier. Wenger has eclipsed his compatriot by leading the North Londoners to two double-winning campaigns and compiling a squad with the class and confidence to challenge the best in Europe.

The fourteen point gap to the top of the table has led Houllier to effectively concede this year's title. "Arsenal will have a close battle with Manchester United, I believe we are short of that battle now but not short of being a Champions League contender", the Frenchman said. With title aspirations over and a Champions League challenge prematurely ended by Christian Gross' Basle side, it will be at least another year before Houllier can step out of Wenger's shadow.

Owen v Campbell

Amongst the many internationals on show tonight will be a number of England's finest, over whom the watching Sven Goran Eriksson will cast his eye. A particularly intriguing battle appears in the shape of England striking hero Michael Owen head-to-head against defensive rock, Sol Campbell. The pair go back nearly five years as international teammates, a spell covering two World Cups. 


Gerrard v Viera

The personal battle that is likely to have the biggest influence on the game however will be found in the centre of the park. Steven Gerrard has a chance to prove critics wrong when he comes up against one of the world's best in Patrick Viera. The midfield will not be a place for the faint-hearted tonight, and Viera will know that containing Gerrard's attacking play (in particular, his incisive through balls to Owen) will go a long way to stopping Liverpool.

Liverpool's defence will be strengthened by the return of Stephane Henchoz to partner Sami Hyppia in the centre. The pair will play in front of Jerzy Dudek, who replaces Chris Kirkland. The unfortunate England Under-21 international had his season cruelly ended by injury, this after impressing many judges with assured performances in Liverpool's recent run of improved results. Vladimir Smicer has recovered from a calf strain and is in the squad.

Arsenal, unbeaten in 7 games, are without Fredrik Ljungberg (hamstring) and Martin Keown (suspended). Ashley Cole is set to return from 2 game ban and will be hoping to mark a 100th league start with an impressive performance in front of the England Head Coach. Dennis Bergkamp, Gilberto Silva, David Seaman, Sylvain Wiltord and the prolific Thierry Henry should return after being rested.

Recent history favours Liverpool. Arsenal's 2-1 win last season was their first since the very first Premiership meeting of the sides at Anfield. That victory was the start of the 27-match unbeaten run culminating in league and cup glory; Wenger has described the game as the turning point of Arsenal's season. His compatriot in the opposing dugout tonight will be hoping for role reversal this season.

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29/01/2003: Midweek Match-up: Gerrard v Vieira