Arsenal v Liverpool: Five players under the spotlight

Arsenal host Liverpool tonight in the Premier League and it is a game not to be missed.

Arsenal v Liverpool is a game which could shape both sides aspirations of finishing in the top four, and both managers are feeling the pressure with the transfer window ticking down an added complication.

There are players who need to produce too, and here is a look at five who are under the spotlight for a variety of reasons heading into the clash at the Emirates.

Olivier Giroud

Giroud has four goals in two games, and 13 for the season, but he is still missing that breakout game against a top side. This home game against Liverpool is his ideal chance to do it. With fans crying out for Arsene Wenger to sign a new striker, if Giroud can influence the game here with a goal he will ease the pressure on his manager.

Joe Allen

Joe Allen was a £15 million summer signing brought into orchestrate Liverpool's midfield, but he divides Liverpool fans with some seeing him as too lightweight. He was unable to influence the game against League One side Oldham on Saturday, and this game away to Arsenal will be even more difficult and represent a big step up. He can answer those doubters by helping contain the dangerous duo Jack Wilshere and Santi Cazorla.

Abou Diaby

Frenchman Abou Diaby was a player Liverpool could simply not cope with at Anfield, playing a starring role in Arsenal's 2-0 win. Can he produce the same driving display here to carry Arsenal to victory? He only recently returned from injury, so this is a comparative test of where his form stands. If he is fit to start then all eyes will be on if he can overpower Liverpool once again.

Theo Walcott

Liverpool were one of the sides linked with signing Theo Walcott if he had failed to sign his new contract, and he will be hoping to put in a big performance in this headline fixture. Since Giroud has returned to the side, Walcott has been shunted back out wide, so it will be fascinating to see if that trend continues here.

Daniel Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge is already looking like one of the best signings of the transfer window, settling into Liverpool's side instantly. Liverpool have failed to beat any of the sides above them in the table this season, but with the young Englishman in the side it will be fascinating to see if he can help them get over the hump and fire his club to victory.

Dan Coombs

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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.

As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.

He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.