By Boris Mellor
February 14 2006

Exactly one year ago the romantically inclined were able to watch Arsenal massacre Crystal Palace 5-1 by candlelight. The press gleefully declared it to be the Valentine’s Day Massacre. No doubt the Champagne didn't remain on ice very long.

I doubt if any Arsenal fans are expecting a similar result this Valentine’s day. For Anfield is not one of the Gunners happiest hunting grounds. They have only won three times at Liverpool in the last 14 games. Vieira was present for two of the victories but not for the most famous one when Arsenal won 2-1 with only 10 men. This was a day when Kanu and Parlour were giants in midfield.

 I remember watching the match in a pub crowded with Arsenal and Liverpool fans, one goal up Arsenal had van Bronckhurst sent off for tripping over in the penalty area, this earned him a second yellow, which saw him leave the field. Arsenal responded by scoring a second goal. The Arsenal fans were ecstatic but a Liverpool fan shouted out it's not over until the fat lady sings, well you better start singing now you fat bastard replied a confident Gooner. He was absolutely right, the Liverpool onslaught only achieved one goal leaving the Gunners victorious.

 Then in the unbeaten season we had another splendid victory with an amazing goal by Robert Pires. But these two matches, unfortunately, are not typical of Arsenal's performances at Liverpool, and even the sainted Patrick Vieira was present at many a drubbing, or at best a draw. Fowler has also been a thorn in the Arsenal's side regularly scoring decisive and important goals.

Well that's enough of the doom and gloom, for in spite Liverpool's European glory, at the present this is not in league terms a particularly good Liverpool side. True it is capable of defending very well, but not so capable of scoring goals. With Kolo and Eboue back in the squad then maybe Wenger can put a defence together they will not concede too easily. Clichy and Walcott return to training but not yet to the squad.

 However when it comes to strikers the situation is not as good as it could be. Bergkamp, Reyes and van Persie are injured. I can't help wondering what it is exactly that keeps happening to van Persie’s toes - it is time he changed his chiropodist. It's a good job that Wenger brought in Adebayor, although his shooting was not that hot against Bolton he did give one them plenty of problems, and gave Henry ample support. Hleb played no role at all on Saturday so perhaps he will be involved in some way.

This match will certainly be a test of how far Arsenal's youngsters have improved since the start of the season. Whatever the result it may, or may not, be a consolation that more experienced Arsenal football teams have fared worse at Anfield.