COMMUNITY SHEILD: Michael Owen stands on the brink of another showdown with an Arsenal team who must dread meeting the England striker - particularly in Cardiff.
And the Liverpool star has stoked up the rivalry prior to tomorrow's Community Shield clash at the Millennium Stadium by insisting the Anfield side can steal Arsenal's Premiership crown.
The last time Owen confronted Arsenal at the venue he produced a late double strike to win the 2001 FA Cup final.
Since then he has witnessed Arsenal claim the Double, but Owen has no intention of allowing the Gunners to claim another piece of silverware.
"At Liverpool the aim is always to win trophies," he told reporters. "Every season we have improved in the league, from fourth to third to second last season.
"We are pleased with that. If we can improve again we have a good chance of taking the title this coming season.
"The new players are settling in well and the rest of the squad are a year older and more experienced."
Liverpool, second last season, have improved their squad with £20 million of new faces. The arrivals of El-Hadji Diouf and Bruno Cheyrou have strengthened the strike force, while defensive midfielder Salif Diao has received his international clearance in time to face Arsenal.
Only Abel Xavier (ankle), Jari Litmanan (knee) and Vegard Heggam (ankle) are unavailable for boss Gerard Houllier.
