One reason for that is that the Arsenal defence will be under-strength, as Martin Keown is banned for a game. Pascal Cygan will presumably be his replacement alongside Sol Campbell, and the Frenchman has some work to do if he's to convince Arsenal fans that he can do as well as Matthew Upson would have. Cygan's sloppiness which handed Farnborough their consolation goal on Saturday won't have done his cause any good.

Arsenal will presumably welcome back some of the first-teamers who sat out Saturday's game. Seaman in goal and Henry up front are certs, and Gilberto could well come back into midfield at Parlour's expense. Wiltord on the right wing is a strong possibility too. Freddie's still injured.

With Henchoz out, Traore played alongside Hyppia, with Riise at left back. With Henchoz back, Traore may miss out altogether, or may revert to full-back with Riise moving up into midfield.

Hamann could return from a shin injury but is doubtful as he's not match fit yet, and Smicer has a calf problem which could keep him out. Patrik Berger is out too.

Jerzy Dudek is back between the sticks for Liverpool as Chris Kirkland faces an agonising few months out with cruciate knee ligament damage. Bad news for Coventry too... his injury came just one game short of playing enough for the Sky Blues to qualify for additional money from Liverpool.