Important Month of August for Liverpool & Arsenal

[Coffeelover]

As I sit here at my desk escaping work by choosing my Fantasy Football team I realise that the month of August is more important for Arsenal and Liverpool then in previous years.

I have never believed that you can win anything at the start of the season but you can lose a lot of ground on your major rivals.

Arsenal start the season with these fixtures,

Newcastle (away) 13th

Udinese (midweek at home) 16th

Liverpool (home) 20th

Udinese (midweek away) 24th

Manchester United (away) 28th

The Champions League is worth around £30m+ to Arsenal not counting the £3.5m revenue they make per home match so they will not want to go out of Europe early.

From Liverpool’s view I hope they win against Udinese so they still have to play more midweek matches later on.

It is probably the best time that Liverpool could have chosen to play Arsenal away, a game at the Emirates against a rotating Arsenal squad in the middle of a knockout Champions League qualifier.

I have always thought that even if the Liverpool squad is not quite as strong as its major rivals, the fact that it is not competing in Europe is advantageous as Liverpool will concentrate on only one major goal.

I feel a little for Arsenal for their torrid run of fixtures but since Liverpool are the obvious beneficiary I can only hope that full advantage is taken in the month of August.

[2fas-t]

If we have a slightly bad start, I think we have the character to recover from it. We've got fighters in the team now, especially after the new signings. And of course we're not in Europe.

If Arsenal have a bad start it will really damage them. They will be ******.

Our match against them will be a good one.

[AnfieldSouth41]

Newcastle away
Liverpool Home
United away

3 Defeats

[Coffeelover]

If we have a slightly bad start, I think we have the character to recover from it. We've got fighters in the team now, especially after the new signings. And of course we're not in Europe.

If Arsenal have a bad start it will really damage them. They will be ******.

Our match against them will be a good one.

Even though you cannot give an individual match so early too much importance, a win at the Emirates would would hurt them greatly. Considering they then have to play Manchester United away after the next Udinese game when United have had the full week to prepare.

[Coffeelover]

Newcastle away
Liverpool Home
United away

3 Defeats

I think Arsenal are specials to beat Newcastle, lots to prove and Newcastle weakened.

Even so it will affect my Fantasy Football team.

[2fas-t]

I can see Arsenal beating Newcastle and drawing with us.

Would be boss if we did beat them, massive confidence boost.

[-Luck-]

We havent beaten them for ages. I dont actually think that we've ever won at the emirates stadium, but if ever there was a good time, the time is now! Still i reckon itll end a draw which is really not the worst result for us.

[MishMasch]

That's a really tough month for Arsenal. I'd hope that they look at the Champs League games as need to win and take their eye off the ball a bit with the first few league games.

Looking at our Aug & Sept, we have 6 games that are all winnable on paper (with a couple of tough North London away fixtures) entering October with 12+ points would be a cracking start and a real statement of intent.

[-OptiMister-]

When I saw the header of the OP i thought it was regarding the transfer activity of both teams. I'd like to add one more reason as to why August will be the month which decides both team's fate. It needs to be seen how Arsenal are going to fare in the transfer market. As things stand, we have a superior squad mainly because we have players with character. Arsenal lack that atm. But only at the end of August can we say something about them.

[RedChuck]

I am of the opinion that there isn't alot between the teams/squads at the top.

What Utd have is a belief, a conviction that they are the best.

I believe that we are in a position to match anyone 1 - 16 (ie. including Subs)

Kenny instilled great belief and confidence when he arrived and it gave us a turbo-boost up from a dire position.

The key question is now can he instill our players with the conviction to believe that they are as good or better than anyone else, that they go out believing they can win the next game, that they should be competing for the title.

This will be somewhat more difficult if we do not have a good start. A poor result against Sunderland will only serve to encourage others to come to Anfield believing they can get something which has been a major problem for some time.

On the other hand a good win will set us up nicely to go to the Emirates on the front foot looking for points. And it has got to be a good time to go there.

A good result there could quickly lead to the building of momentum making Kenny's job easier.

I totally agree - our start this year is massively important.

[Coffeelover]

If Arsenal win at Newcastle, beat Udinese over the two matches and get two draws or one win/one loss over Liverpool and United it will also give them a lot of heart for the next part of the season.

[RedChuck]

If Arsenal win at Newcastle, beat Udinese over the two matches and get two draws or one win/one loss over Liverpool and United it will also give them a lot of heart for the next part of the season.

Arsenal will definitely be looking to kill the CL tie in the 1st leg - they cannot risk a weakened team so they should be a bit leggy against us. Of course they may even rest a few against us - especially if the tie is in the balance.

Either way we should be looking to exploit their position and go there to win.

A good win against Sunderland would be the platform to do so.

The ideal would be for Arsenal to have to work hard against Udinese and get a couple of late goals. They might then be able to keep fresh the following week before going to OT - otherwise they will go there dead on their feet and probably be easily beaten.

[Hamfield]

Its imperative we get off to a good start this season Coffee. We need to set high standards from the off. Its definately a good time to play Arsenal. I can see us sneaking it 0 - 1.

[Coach791]

Newcastle away
Liverpool Home
United away

3 Defeats

You reckon Newcastle will beat Arsenal first game? I wouldn't put money on it

[-Manbat-]

If Arsenal win at Newcastle, beat Udinese over the two matches and get two draws or one win/one loss over Liverpool and United it will also give them a lot of heart for the next part of the season.

they are going to falter come february anyway

[Ben1986]

Arsenal fan's are unhappy. The general filing amongst them for the first game
is this:

"With Nolan, Barton and Enrique gone, we could end up winning our first game of season. Against all odds."

They have no belief in their manager or their team.

We must win it.

[shmar]

It is vital that we get a win over sunderland. We will need that confidence boost when we go to emirates.
Arsenal will definitely not be at their strongest when we face them, stil they will be no walkover.
I think they will reserve their main strength for the Udinese (H) and manu games.
Tho they could go for a draw there and decide to go for two early home wins, which might be easier for them to get.
But we can only worry about ourselves, and am sure we wil be going for the full 3 points at emirates!

[Jamiecarrawillscore]

Newcastle away
Liverpool Home
United away

3 Defeats

I have a feeling this might happen too...Arsenal may be without 8 regulars for the Newcastle game...
The worst part is if Nasri and Fabregas want to quit for City and Barca ..they wont want to be in that squad that play Udinese...

[shmar]

...... The worst part is if Nasri and Fabregas want to quit for City and Barca ..they wont want to be in that squad that play Udinese...

will definitely affect them, though i doubt cesc will be match fit by then.

[gaulasterix]

I've lost count of how many times I've changed my fantasy team..

Newcastle are a much weaker bunch... no goal-scoring threat in Carroll, no overlapping fullback in Enrique, no midfield steel in Nolan and Barton. Should be an easy game on paper.

'Arsenal' will play five games... I guess Wilshere will play all five without breaking a sweat. RVP is suspended, so he'll surely feature in the league games. If Cesc/Nasri leave after the first match, the replacement (Ramsey) will be pretty fresh too. Vermaelen will get injured after a few games.. but I'm thinking that'll be before the ManU game, not LFC.

West Brom, Spurs, and ManC have pretty tough August games too. Very vital that we stay ahead of the curve. We have a brutal Feb-March coming up... even though we're not in Europe.

[Coffeelover]

I've lost count of how many times I've changed my fantasy team..

Newcastle are a much weaker bunch... no goal-scoring threat in Carroll, no overlapping fullback in Enrique, no midfield steel in Nolan and Barton. Should be an easy game on paper.

'Arsenal' will play five games... I guess Wilshere will play all five without breaking a sweat. RVP is suspended, so he'll surely feature in the league games. If Cesc/Nasri leave after the first match, the replacement (Ramsey) will be pretty fresh too. Vermaelen will get injured after a few games.. but I'm thinking that'll be before the ManU game, not LFC.

West Brom, Spurs, and ManC have pretty tough August games too. Very vital that we stay ahead of the curve. We have a brutal Feb-March coming up... even though we're not in Europe.

Van Persie is suspended in Europe! I forgot!

Damn you Asterix! (actually thanks as well)

Changing fantasy team for the millionth time! Bah!

[irishkopie]

Prediction. We will drop points unexpectedly.

[gaulasterix]

Van Persie is suspended in Europe! I forgot!

Damn you Asterix! (actually thanks as well)

Changing fantasy team for the millionth time! Bah!

No worries.

I was in serious doubt with Nani and RVP (rotation, injury). RVP just got a knock (so did Gibbs, Vermaelen). Decided to go for Gervinho instead. Better value for the money.

[Coffeelover]

No worries.

I was in serious doubt with Nani and RVP (rotation, injury). RVP just got a knock (so did Gibbs, Vermaelen). Decided to go for Gervinho instead. Better value for the money.

I downgraded RVP to Carroll and upgraded to Nani in midfield. With rotation it is tough to choose.

I thought about Gervinho long and hard as well but ended up with Bent due to favourable fixtures.

[gaulasterix]

I downgraded RVP to Carroll and upgraded to Nani in midfield. With rotation it is tough to choose.

I thought about Gervinho long and hard as well but ended up with Bent due to favourable fixtures.

Good call. Given how many times I've changed my line-up so far, not sure if Gervinho will stay either. Will have to wait and see once the smoke clears.

Every proven performer being astronomically expensive, it's pretty tough deciding who to pick. I opted for Baines as well (at the moment ), forcing me to seek hidden gems. Taarabt, Hoolahan, and Benayoun are my cut-budget options for now. Yossi is dirt cheap thanks to his injury last season.

As for the forwards, Carroll is a placeholder until Suarez gets back in action. My pick for the second striker is Odemwingie, but they got a tough start to the season (ManU, Chelsea, Stoke). Will sub him in once the season begins.

[Coffeelover]

Good call. Given how many times I've changed my line-up so far, not sure if Gervinho will stay either. Will have to wait and see once the smoke clears.

Every proven performer being astronomically expensive, it's pretty tough deciding who to pick. I opted for Baines as well (at the moment ), forcing me to seek hidden gems. Taarabt, Hoolahan, and Benayoun are my cut-budget options for now. Yossi is dirt cheap thanks to his injury last season.

As for the forwards, Carroll is a placeholder until Suarez gets back in action. My pick for the second striker is Odemwingie, but they got a tough start to the season (ManU, Chelsea, Stoke). Will sub him in once the season begins.

Instead of Odemwingie I went for Rodallega since Wigan play the three promoted teams in a row at the beginning, slight risk since the promoted teams sometimes play well at the start of the season. West Brom as you say have a tough start so I couldn't pick Odem.

[gaulasterix]

Instead of Odemwingie I went for Rodallega since Wigan play the three promoted teams in a row at the beginning, slight risk since the promoted teams sometimes play well at the start of the season. West Brom as you say have a tough start so I couldn't pick Odem.

Rodallega is already there. For the exact same reason you mentioned. Kept Figuero in my defense for the same reason, but swapped him out for Bardsley.

I guess it's a good time to talk about what we expect of the non-Top6 teams. What say you? I'll get it rolling.

I fear for Bolton's prospects. Coyle is a very good coach, but much of his success had to do with loaned stars. Elmander carried them through the first half, Sturridge through the second. With only Kevin Davies left, they look fragile. Add to that the injuries to Lee and Holden.

I am very doubtful about Villa's scoring rate. Bent is a great scorer, N'Zogbia is capable of filling Young's shoes, and I rate Albrighton very very highly. The problem is with McLeish and his Birmingham team's spectacular inability to score last season.

I see Newcastle closer to relegation than top 10. I don't think they'll miss Carroll much. Ba is a good enough target man, the likes of Ameobi, Ranger, and Lovenkrands are good prospect too. Enrique leaving won't be a problem either. What I worry about is how they would cope without Nolan's leadership and Barton's steel. Yes, there's Marveaux, but his style of play is somewhat different from the rest of Newcastle.

Sunderland's stability impresses me. They got a great acquisition in Vaughan. Wickham is good too. So are those in the ManU Retirement Home. I'd otherwise be worried for the loss of Onouha.

Blackburn looks a lost cause at the moment. Waiting to see what drama happens two months into the season.

I actually think West Brom might pull an upset in the first two games (ManU, Chelsea). Roy has found a team that matches his style and skills. They're an energetic bunch who look up to Roy. After a solid pre-season, they'll be difficult to break down. They showed in the first half that they can attack. We also saw in the Villa-at-LFC game that Roy's team can play good football if the strikers are willing to put in a shift (we had Ngog-Babel up front in that game).

[gerrardrafatorres]

Seriously, how would Arsenal cope, especially if they lose both Nasri and Cesc in the coming days!

[Coffeelover]

Rodallega is already there. For the exact same reason you mentioned. Kept Figuero in my defense for the same reason, but swapped him out for Bardsley.

I guess it's a good time to talk about what we expect of the non-Top6 teams. What say you? I'll get it rolling.

I fear for Bolton's prospects. Coyle is a very good coach, but much of his success had to do with loaned stars. Elmander carried them through the first half, Sturridge through the second. With only Kevin Davies left, they look fragile. Add to that the injuries to Lee and Holden.

I am very doubtful about Villa's scoring rate. Bent is a great scorer, N'Zogbia is capable of filling Young's shoes, and I rate Albrighton very very highly. The problem is with McLeish and his Birmingham team's spectacular inability to score last season.

I see Newcastle closer to relegation than top 10. I don't think they'll miss Carroll much. Ba is a good enough target man, the likes of Ameobi, Ranger, and Lovenkrands are good prospect too. Enrique leaving won't be a problem either. What I worry about is how they would cope without Nolan's leadership and Barton's steel. Yes, there's Marveaux, but his style of play is somewhat different from the rest of Newcastle.

Sunderland's stability impresses me. They got a great acquisition in Vaughan. Wickham is good too. So are those in the ManU Retirement Home. I'd otherwise be worried for the loss of Onouha.

Blackburn looks a lost cause at the moment. Waiting to see what drama happens two months into the season.

I actually think West Brom might pull an upset in the first two games (ManU, Chelsea). Roy has found a team that matches his style and skills. They're an energetic bunch who look up to Roy. After a solid pre-season, they'll be difficult to break down. They showed in the first half that they can attack. We also saw in the Villa-at-LFC game that Roy's team can play good football if the strikers are willing to put in a shift (we had Ngog-Babel up front in that game).

I am off for dinner so I have no time for a detailed response till tomorrow but I have decided for my Fantasy football team that both Blackburn and Newcastle are lost causes.

I have certain question marks about Villa, they should be a reasonable team but I can't claim to be a fan of their manager and they have lost some good players. Saying that, because of their favourable early fixtures I have gone for N'Zogbia as well.

I still have enough faith in Owen Coyle as manager to not write off Bolton yet.

We can compare teams later on but it seems we may be closer then not to the same group of players. Saying that I have three Man City players and no Chelsea players even though I expect them both to do well early on.

[Coffeelover]

Seriously, how would Arsenal cope, especially if they lose both Nasri and Cesc in the coming days!

People said the same after they sold Henry to Barcelona. Do not write off a manager who has spent 14 years in a row in the top four without spending any excess money.