JAVIER MASCHERANO believes that Liverpool can complete an impressive hat-trick of victories over their title rivals this weekend when they travel to the Emirates Stadium.

So far this season, Liverpool have already recorded a first ever victory over English and European champions Manchester United under manager Rafael Benitez, 2-1 at Anfield in September, and defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in October to end the London club’s record-breaking 86-game unbeaten home record.

Such success contrasts sharply to Liverpool’s poor record in previous campaigns against fellow members of ‘The Big Four’ since Benitez’s arrival from Valencia.

Between the 2004/05-2007/08 seasons, Liverpool lost 15 of their 20 Premier League encounters against the rest of the big four, collecting just 17 points from a possible 60.

However, as they bid to secure a first Premier League crown and end a 19-year-wait for the title to return to Anfield, Liverpool have looked impressive this term against their title rivals.

Curiously, Liverpool, like Sunday’s opponents Arsenal, have struggled against some of the division’s lesser lights with home draws against Stoke, Fulham, West Ham and Hull but unlike the Gunners who have lost five games, Benitez’s side who are currently a point clear of Chelsea at the summit, remain very much in the title hunt.

With second-placed Chelsea not playing until Monday night at Goodison Park and third-placed Manchester United away in Japan for the World Club Championship, Liverpool have the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the pack with victory over Arsene Wenger’s men and having already defeated Chelsea and United this season, Mascherano sees no reason why they can’t complete an impressive treble on Sunday afternoon.

He said: “We know it is going to be a very difficult game, but we are going there confident we can show our quality and win.

“We have beaten Chelsea and Manchester United this season, but we have to remember Arsenal have done the same. I think they play much better against the top teams and so we know it will be a hard match. But if we play our football and use our heads then we can win the game.