Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has acknowledged that Saturday's game with Liverpool is vital for the Gunners' Champions League hopes.

The two sides meet at Anfield separated by seven points in their chase for a top four spot, the last of which Arsenal currently occupy.

Wenger believes that a victory for his side over the Reds could put the Merseyside outfit out of contention for a Champions League qualifying position.

"Liverpool are a team who are in the fight for the Champions League places, and that's why this game is so vital for us," said Wenger.

"Chelsea, Newcastle, Liverpool and us are in the fight for fourth place. We have a good opportunity on Saturday to put Liverpool really behind us. We want to take that."

Liverpool won the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium 2-0 in August.