Arsenal are there to be shot at ahead of Liverpool showdown

But they have also suffered seven defeats in all competitions this season. There are signs that they are unsettled and there to be taken if we can get it right at the Emirates.

William Gallas rocked the boat big time earlier this season, attacking team mates for lacking bottle and revealing squad rifts.

He might have been right with what he said - but saying it all so publicly was only ever going to cause a storm and upset a good few people at the club - including his manager.

It's one which has cost Gallas the captain's armband, with talk of him now being offloaded by Arsene Wenger.

I know confidence could be better at Anfield after the annoying slip ups we've had against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and now Hull.

But while people say we've been lucky getting away with it - and I understand why - the reverse is just as true with regard to United, Chelsea and Arsenal. They've all been slipping up and getting away with it as well, don't forget.

So there's certainly no reason for anyone to be downhearted.

We're still top of the table and with our record away from Anfield looking better than it is at home just now, I've every belief the Reds can do the business on Sunday.

There should be no fear in going there.

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Case of mind over matter

RAFA Benitez was criticised by some people for not unleashing Robbie Keane on Hull.

But I'm convinced he's being clever and cute with the Irishman.

Some players arrive at Anfield but never live up to their billing. I'm thinking of the likes of Morientes and one or two others who for me slipped into a comfort zone once they put on the red shirt.

I'm not for a minute saying that's the case with Keane but for whatever reason it just hasn't happened for him yet.

I think the manager is trying to get him really angry and wound up. Then hopefully he'll be so fired up he'll take it out on the opposition.

It might look to some as if Robbie's face doesn't fit. But I don't think that's the case or for a minute that he'll be sold in January.

Benitez may instead just be playing a more subtle game than that with him. If it works it's one which will help both the team and the player.

Get well soon, Rafa

LIKE everyone I was sorry to hear of the illness to Rafa Benitez.

Kidney stones put people in excruciating pain and it must have been particularly severe for him to end up in hospital.

Good luck - and get well soon, Rafa.

Carragher will be suffering

MY thoughts also went out to Jamie Carragher after his own goal at Anfield.

Believe me, no one will have been more cheesed off about it - and about the points the team dropped - than Jamie.

But what the hell.

These things happen to the best of players and that's what Jamie is - a terrific Liverpool player and a top lad too.