'Press Arsenal high, attack us with pace'

Firstly, Andy, can Arsenal win the league this year?

My heart says, 'yes' but my head says, 'it's unlikely'. We've been remarkably consistent against the majority of the league this season, but still have challenging away games to come against Liverpool, then Everton, Tottenham and Chelsea, as well as Manchester City at home. We'll certainly need a decent return from these fixtures to have a chance. Man City and Chelsea are only two points behind Arsenal, despite seeming to drop points in many games that they would be expected to win in the first half of the season. I find it difficult to see them making similar mistakes in the run-in.

Can you pull together all the various contributing factors and paint us a picture as to what's made Arsenal so good this season?

The atmosphere around the club seemed to change instantly with the signing of Mezut Ozil. Players now seem to feel like they can achieve their ambitions at Arsenal, rather than needing to go elsewhere. Ironically, Ozil himself hasn't necessarily been our stand-out performer this season, although he has frequently provided the telling final pass that our build-up play has so often lacked in recent years. The solid foundation of Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny at the back has meant that we have rarely needed to score more than two goals to win a game. We have also been able to defend single-goal leads far more effectively this season, owing significantly to the protection and fighting spirit provided by Mathieu Flamini. Our approach has been far more measured, with the aim of winning seemingly more important than purely entertaining.

Are there weaknesses in this Arsenal team?

As well as having limited options up front, I still feel that we struggle to cope when teams press us high up the pitch and attack us with pace. Man City and Southampton have shown that when you attack Arsenal, you get far more joy than simply trying to contain them. Stopping Olivier Giroud from receivilng the ball to feet will also be important for Liverpool, as so many Arsenal attacks involve the Frenchman holding the ball up with his back to goal, bringing midfielders into play.

How do you assess Liverpool this season?

I admire the way that Liverpool have played this season, and how they have coped without each of their main strikers for prolonged spells. The team is exciting going forward and can pose a threat to any side. The emergence of young players such as Jordan Henderson, Jon Flanagan and Raheem Sterling only bodes well for the future.

If you could take two Liverpool players to Arsenal, who would you chose?

I'd have to go for Luis Suarez and Philippe Coutinho. Suarez has shown again this season why he's one of the best strikers in the world, both in terms of work-rate and ability. I have admired Coutinho since his loan spell at Espanyol, and although Arsenal don't lack technically gifted midfielders, I reckon his first-touch, acceleration and ability to find a telling pass would make him an asset to any side.

Tell us the exact moment in time – Liverpool v Arsenal-wise – you would revisit now if you had a time machine…

It has to be the 4-4 draw at Anfield in April 2009. Liverpool were challenging for the title and Arsenal were struggling to stay in touch. The excitement of new signing Andrei Arshavin scoring all four Arsenal goals and the fearless attacking approach adopted by both sides resulted in a thoroughly enjoyable game of football, despite Arsenal failing to hold out for the win.

And what's the one moment you'd rather erase from memory? 

Without doubt the 2001 FA Cup final in Cardiff. Liverpool came back to win 2-1, with Michael Owen scoring both Liverpool goals in the last 10 minutes. It still hurts to this day.

Prediction for the match?     

It's a very tough one to call. Both sides are capable of creating chances, so I think that the team that best restricts the other is likely to prevail. The game may not be as open as people expect, with both teams respecting the threat that their opponent poses. Liverpool will need to make sure that they are not outnumbered in midfield, but Flamini will be a huge loss for Arsenal through suspension. I'll go for a 1-1 draw, a result that I wouldn't be disappointed with.