It’s more of the same from Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez at least in terms of formation, with the 4-2-3-1 formation that’s served him so well being utilised tonight.
No surprises in terms of most of the team either, top scorer Torres playing up front ahead of the trio of Kuyt, Babel and Gerrard. Behind those four are Mascherano, back from his league suspension, alongside Xabi Alonso.
Of course Pepe Reina is in goal, and of course Jamie Carragher’s involved. The only question about Carra was where he’d play, and he’s at right back with Hyypia and Skrtel in the centre of defence. Fabio Aurelio gets the left-back spot.
Tom Hicks is at the game, with his sons, but only Foster Gillett has made it from the other half of the joint ownership, his father George said to be “snowbound in Colorado”.
Arsenal: 24 Almunia, 5 Toure, 10 Gallas, 6 Senderos, 22 Clichy, 27 Eboue, 16 Flamini, 4 Fabregas, 13 Hleb, 11 Van Persie, 25 Adebayor
Subs: 1 Lehmann, 2 Diaby, 17 Song Billong, 19 Silva, 26 Bendtner, 31 Hoyte, 32 Walcott
Liverpool: 25 Reina, 23 Carragher, 37 Skrtel, 4 Hyypia, 12 Aurelio, 20 Mascherano, 14 Alonso, 18 Kuyt, 8 Gerrard, 19 Babel, 9 Torres
Subs: 30 Itandje, 6 Riise, 10 Voronin, 11 Benayoun, 15 Crouch, 17 Arbeloa, 21 Lucas
Referee: Pieter Vink