IT’S a great time to play Arsenal and I expect Liverpool to win at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The problems have been mounting for Arsene Wenger and the Reds can take advantage.

Cesc Fabregas is a massive loss for Arsenal as he’s been as good as anyone in the Premier League in recent years.

With Samir Nasri also expected to leave, the Gunners are facing up to life without their two most influential players.

As if that wasn’t bad enough they have new striker Gervinho and midfielder Alex Song suspended, while Kieran Gibbs, Johan Djourou and Jack Wilshere are struggling with injuries.

Arsenal’s fans aren’t happy and the unconvincing win over Udinese in midweek will have done nothing to settle anyone’s nerves.

When you watch Arsenal you expect to see composure and great passing but I didn’t see that on Tuesday night.

I think Liverpool will cause them a lot of problems defensively and Arsenal won’t be able to handle what’s thrown at them.

Stewart Downing will get at them down the flanks and it’s vital we get Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in the game.

I’m sure Liverpool will be relieved to have got last weekend’s game out of the way. The first game of the season can be horrible because expectations are so high and players can be a bit tentative.

In the first half against Sunderland we played better than we could have expected.

The passing was sharp and decisive. We created chances and looked well set to go on and get maximum points.

What happened in the second half is difficult to explain. Somehow Sunderland got a foothold in the game and got themselves an equaliser.

The disappointment for me was that we didn’t respond after they got back level. With more than half an hour to go I expected Liverpool to come again and pin Sunderland back.

But we looked like a new team and it was clear that one or two were a bit heavy legged.

The owners have made it clear they expect Champions League qualification this season and I believe Kenny Dalglish will deliver that.

I think the two Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool will make up the top four.

Yes, Arsenal have some issues at the moment but once they’ve sorted themselves out I still think they have the ability in their squad to pick up a lot of points.

For me, Chelsea look vulnerable and I’m really not convinced about their squad.

There are some big egos and personalities in a squad which has had its day.