Arsenal striker Theo Walcott has underlined the importance of Wednesday’s clash against Liverpool, with both teams fighting for fourth spot.

The 23-year-old is predicting an “intense” encounter, and has called for the need to be focused from the off if him and his team-mates are to come away with all three points.

“It’s going to be an intense game [against Liverpool],” Walcott told the club’s official website.

“Both teams are fighting for that fourth position and are very close together. But I think the way we played at home the other day [against West Ham] shows that we are strong enough to beat them.

“Yes [the momentum is growing]. It has been up and down, there have been patches of brilliance, but we need to do it in every game. We have tended to start slowly and then wake up and that’s something we need to get out of our system. It’s about being concentrated.”

Walcott, who has netted a career-high 17 goals in all competitions so far this season, recently signed a new contract with Arsenal to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium until 2016 and affirmed his happiness with his performances this term.

“I’m definitely enjoying my football,” Walcott continued. “I think the last two years have been strong as well but I’ve always enjoyed my football, no matter what. I always listen to the right people and always enjoy every time I get a chance to play.”