Arsenal vs Liverpool preview - Wenger prepared to pick Nasri

Posted Saturday, August 20, 2011 by PA

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger would have no problem picking contract rebel Samir Nasri against Liverpool tomorrow and urged Gunners fans not to jeer the France international.

Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini remains hopeful a deal to sign the midfielder could be tied up "very quickly", with discussions between the two clubs believed to have been going on for some time.

However, Wenger maintains while the 24-year-old - who has yet to sign a new deal and could leave for nothing next summer - is still an Arsenal player, there is no reason to leave him out now he is fully fit after a bout of illness.

Nasri, though, could be in for a hostile reception from some sections of the home support, with the midfielder using his Twitter account to hit out at the "disrespectful" chants during last weekend's game at Newcastle.

Nevertheless, Wenger - who this week saw captain Cesc Fabregas sold to Barcelona - told a news conference: "One thing I don't question is the commitment of Samir Nasri to this club.

"Every day since he has arrived here, every day in pre-season, he has worked with a fantastic spirit in training."

Wenger added: "The fans will want Arsenal to play well and win the game. They do not make an individual case of each player in each position.

"They want good players and to win the football game."

The Gunners will be without suspended duo Gervinho and Alex Song while defenders Johan Djourou, Kieran Gibbs (both hamstring) and Armand Traore (groin) are not available either. Midfielder Tomas Rosicky (thigh) will be rested, while Jack Wilshere and Abou Diaby (ankle) are still out.

Liverpool may never have a better time to end their miserable away run against the Gunners, but manager Kenny Dalglish insists his team will not under-estimate Wenger's side.

The Reds` last victory came in February 2000 and only two of that winning side - Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard, currently sidelined by injury - are still at Anfield.

"Maybe we're due for a win," said Dalglish.

"But it is not going to make it any easier for us because they have lost Fabregas, Nasri is unlikely to be playing and they have a couple of suspensions.

"It will still be a difficult game for us. Arsenal have been most football fans' second team because they play great football and are entertaining to watch.

"Unfortunately they have not won anything for six years and that is the monkey they would love to have off their back.

"But they are still a team I have the greatest respect for and so we go in there and hopefully we can make it as difficult for them as they will for us.

"I don't know how they are going to react, it is up to us to know how we are gong to react.

"We can control what we do and we can compete against them - that is all we can do."

Defender Glen Johnson is the only injury doubt for Liverpool.

The England defender missed last week's opening match with a hamstring injury and Dalglish rates him as his only doubt for the trip.

Dalglish may opt to make changes with Martin Kelly and Dirk Kuyt pushing for starting places.