Liverpool v Arsenal: Error-prone Reds eye first win under Brendan Rodgers

The contest between the two sides is traditionally one of the biggest in the English game and this encounter promises to be no different as Reds boss Brendan Rodgers goes in search of a belated first league win at the club.

But in order to take three points from the Gunners - and win just their second Premier League game in 11 against the north Londoners - the Anfield outfit will have to breach a defence that has yet to concede this term while avoiding the errors that have dogged their own back four in recent weeks.

Normally reliable stopper Martin Skrtel has been the chief culprit, enduring a stinker in a wretched second half against West Brom as Liverpool went down 3-0 on the opening day.

And lightning struck twice for the Slovakian defender as his sloppy backpass gifted Carlos Tevez and Manchester City a late equaliser last Sunday, after Martin Kelly had fluffed an earlier clearance for the Citizens' first leveller.

Pepe Reina also got in on the act with a shocking handling error that allowed Hearts to grab an undeserved goal in Thursday night's Europa League qualifier.

Despite the succession of gaffes Rodgers has rightly stood by his players, but though Arsenal are yet to score since selling hitman Robin van Persie to Manchester United, further defensive lapses tomorrow could prove costly.

The Reds, drawn in Group A of the Europa League group stage along with Udinese, Young Boys and Russian side Anzhi today, head into the fixture shorn of midfielder Lucas (thigh).

And as the transfer window creaked shut today with Charlie Adam completing his move to Stoke and Jay Spearing joining Bolton, Jonjo Shelvey will be his likely replacement after an impressive showing against City.

Cultured stopper Daniel Agger also returns after a one-match ban and should bring some much-needed composure to the Liverpool defence.

Meanwhile Arsenal will run a late fitness test on goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny, who missed the draw at Stoke with a rib injury.

Laurent Koscielny returns after a calf problem, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is pushing for a start.

Tottenham have been drawn against Panathinaikos, Lazio and Maribor following today's Europa League draw.

Newcastle will face Bordeaux, Club Brugge and Maritimo.