The Kallm Before the Strom

Tomorrow morning begins a run of games that many are calling the make or break part of our season.  We benefited from Manchester City's defeat to the little horse (manure) Chelsea on Monday and gained back the top of the table.  Holding onto it, the pursuit of the FA Cup and making it past Bayern is the job of this squad for the next 11 days.  Up first is a trip to Anfield.

Suarez and Sturridge are a formidable striking duo who have combined to 37 goals in Premier matches.  Guess who was the only team to keep the duo quiet?  Yup.  Our back quartet of Sagna, Mert, Koz, and Gibbs dealt with the runs made by their forwards, and a midfield of Arteta, Ramsey, and Rosicky muted service to them.  The key to a win tomorrow isn't rocket science.  Stop service again, keep the back tight, and we'll have another three points.

We're minus Ramsey, unfortunately, but we can swap him for Jack (who was out injured at the time), and either start Rosicky again, or Ox on the wing.  I'm torn this time or who would be the better start.  Ox is coming off an excellent performance against Crystal Palace, but Tommy provides that  unique blend of defensive nous and an offensive thrust forward.  If we want to focus on keeping Surarez and Sturriedge from getting the ball, having TR7 in the mix would go a long way toward that goal.

Of course then, selecting Podolski or Santi is another dilemma.  Podolski played hard against Crystal Palace especially helping to uncharacteristically close down opponents but looked a bit anxious on the ball - again uncharacteristic of him.  Mr. Magic Feet is on a terrific run and could possibly have a field day shaking and baking against Skrtel (is there an uglier shaved white head in the League?) and company.

Ozil is a no brainer needed to cut open Liverpool's midfield.  He's due for a rest, which I figure won't come until our next Liverpool game in the FA Cup.  His allegedly languid style seems to allow him to conserve energy busting a gut only at important moments (ala his run against a tiring Southhampton side).

Playing in front of a home side, I do not really expect the Scousers to play a cagey match.  I think they'll go hard and fast right out of the gates.  Using two strikers means their midfield should be easier to get through than most allowing our creative midfielders to do their thing.

The only other news that I see worth talking about is Wenger's comments about Sagna and his still not signed contract extension: 
"You know when you start the game that Bacary Sagna will give you 100 per cent commitment and, no matter where you play, against whom you play, he will just commit 100 per cent. That is a fantastic guarantee. I believe that his future is here and any other decision would be wrong.
"We are always in negotiations with him and we always try to be fair with our players. When I say I expect [him to stay], it's more that I want [him to stay]. I hope that in the end I am right. We are not close at the moment."

Again, this is not rocket science.  This is Bacary's last shot at a big contract.  He can play at two positions for us, gives everything for the shirt and loves the club.  It's simple.  GIVE HIM WHAT HE WANTS for Pete's sake.

Anyway, that's all I have now.  I'll be back after our victory with a post match report.  have a good one Gooners.