Arsenal vs Liverpool: Preview & Prediction

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Match Preview:

So far into the Premier League season this fixture feels like the biggest one so far, it is a huge game and the word ‘test’ comes to mind for both clubs. For Arsenal beating Liverpool is a huge test and would underline their chances of really challenging for the league title after a few miserable seasons for the club. They have started brilliantly losing just once, but that was against Manchester United and lose here and maybe some doubts will creep in that they can’t beat the big teams, the teams they need to to make that step up.

Arsenal came into this weekend after 8 games in 1st place, by all accounts by the time this game kicks off they could be in 2nd place if Manchester City have won on Saturday. So this could feel like a psychological blow for the Gunners who have enjoyed their time on top. In midweek Mikel Arteta’s side made light work of Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League and last weekend they recorded an excellent 3-1 win over Tottenham and have won their last two games in a row. At home the Gunners have a 100% record, played four won four, so everything is on the line here.

Liverpool beat Rangers 2-0 in midweek in the Champions League. It wasn’t the best of performances but at the same time it was a win and manager Jurgen Klopp will be hoping it can install some confidence in his team who are quite frankly looking like the shadow of the side from last season. Some have blamed the departure of Sadio Mane who joined Bayern Munich in the summer and that loss was a huge blow for the Reds. But they have looked very weak at the back also and will need to find form or already their chances of the title could be over. Last weekend they found themselves two goals down against Brighton at home, and that was a huge no no from a club who have been playing out of sorts, however the Reds pulled the game back and it ended 3-3. But it was another two points dropped. Liverpool find themselves 11 points behind Arsenal although have a game more to play but so far they seem stuck in second gear.

Team News:

Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny is out long term with a hamstring injury and it is the same case for Emile Smith-Rowe who is out until the end of the year with his groin.

Liverpool: Arthur is out with a muscle issue, Curtis Jones has a lack of match fitness and is only 50/50 to make the game. Naby Keita is still 3 weeks away with a muscle injury as is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with his hamstring. Andrew Robertson could be assessed but remains a major doubt with fitness issues following injury but he could be back next week.

Arsenal vs Liverpool Head to Head:

It’s been 9 games since Arsenal last beat Liverpool in a league encounter.

Last season this fixture finished 2-0 to Liverpool.

The last 3 meetings have all seen under 2.5 goals.

Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction:

This game underlines all of the hard work that has gone on at Arsenal because for the first time in a long time you get the sense that Arsenal should be seen as the favourites to beat Liverpool. Everything recently points to that and of course the added advantage is that they are at home. But even at Anfield Liverpool are not playing convincingly well and whilst Klopp pretends to believe that there isn’t a problem you get the sense that there is. However Liverpool remain a dangerous side with brilliant players and Arsenal need to be wary of that. Liverpool can win here and it wouldn’t be seen as a shock and indeed it could well kick start their season.

But Arsenal can’t be dismissed and if they show the quality, swagger and confidence witnessed against a very good Tottenham side in a heated derby we can only see one winner. The pace in this Arsenal side is electrifying and when some Liverpool defenders who have been put under media pressure that adds more pressure to them in these type of games. As for Arsenal you sense the players are fresh and hungry and want to prove a point which could well lead to three.

Arsenal vs Liverpool Betting Tips:

Asian handicap (0.0 Arsenal) at 1.87

Anytime goalscorer: Gabriel Jesus at 2.50

Over 2.5 goals at 1.57