Liverpool Must Now Target Arsenal - Alan Hansen

Liverpool legend Alan Hansen feels that this week could be the perfect time for Rafa Benitez's side to face Arsenal.

The Reds head to the Emirates on Wednesday having put together a seven-match unbeaten run. They have also kept clean sheets in six of those seven games.

Arsenal, in contrast, have endured a diffcult last few weeks, and have just suffered consecutive defeats to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Hansen feels that that can only have had a negative effect on the Gunners' confidence.

"This may be a good time to face Arsenal with confidence knocked from their back-to-back defeats and once again showing physical weakness against their rivals.

"Liverpool have shown a real aggression, great work-rate and a will to win in recent weeks which suggests they will get right in the Gunners' faces from the off.

"Just like Chelsea and United did against Arsenal, Liverpool will pack the centre of the park, force the Gunners wide and make them resort to crossing.

"This will be food and drink to the Reds' defenders who will look to smother Arsenal's creative talents at every opportunity."

Liverpool recorded a hard-earned victory over neighbours Everton at the weekend and Hansen believes that the time is ripe to start targeting Arsenal rather than worrying about sides behind them.