England Premier League
Saturday 23rd December 2023
Kick off at 5:30pm GMT
Venue: Anfield
Match Preview:
Liverpool had the chance to go back to 1st place last weekend but they could only draw 0-0 at home to Manchester United. It was a game that the Reds completely dominated but they couldn’t find the goal and that draw ended their perfect home start to the season. Still they are unbeaten at home and will be the favourites to win this mouth watering top of the table clash.
In midweek Liverpool reached the semi-finals of the EFL Cup as they destroyed West Ham winning that tie 5-1 and this was also at home so no travelling was required ahead of this meeting. Liverpool are in 2nd place with 38 points and just a point shy of Arsenal so this game looks set up to be an intense 90 minutes and hopefully a classic.
Arsenal are leading the table but it is very close at the moment with just 1 point separating the top 3 sides. Everything can change after just one match day. Recent form has almost been perfect for the Gunners however a couple of weeks ago they lost away to Aston Villa they have since bounced back and beat Brighton 2-0 at home. It’s 4 wins from their last five games and while they have won 5 games away from home recent away form hasn’t been the best and in the last four games Mikel Arteta’s side have won two but lost two.
Team News:
Liverpool: Ryan Gravenberch will be assessed to see the extent of his recent hamstring injury. Alexis MacAllister could return from a knee injury. Diogo Jota has recovered from injury but is expected to miss out here with a lack of match fitness but hasn’t been completely ruled out. Andrew Robertson is not back in action until next month due to a shoulder injury. Thiago Alcantara remains out with a hip injury but may return in 10 days time. Stefan Bajcetic is out with a calf injury with no fixed return date
Arsenal: Mohamed Elneny is set to miss out again with his hamstring injury, Jorginho will be assessed due to a foot injury which forced him to miss the last match. Fabio Vieira is not due back for another 4 weeks with a groin injury and Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu are all sidelined with no fixed return date
Liverpool vs Arsenal Head to Head:
Last season this fixture finished 2-2.
Arsenal has managed just 1 victory from the past seven meetings.
It’s been 11 years since Arsenal last beat Liverpool away from home in the league.
This meeting has produced 9 goals in the last two meetings.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Prediction:
Perhaps the recent 0-0 draw at home to Manchester United wasn’t such a bad problem for Liverpool. Maybe it was a dress rehearsal as to not how to play in the final third as they face a title rival this weekend. Liverpool have been able to produce very successful results over Arsenal in the last decade and they will be the favourites at home to win this game and blow the title race wide open.
Arsenal have been stronger than last season and yet when much was asked of them away from home against the dangerous sides this season they have come up short. The Gunners lost against Newcastle and perhaps new title challengers Aston Villa it was only by one goal but they still lost. This would obviously be a huge statement if they could come here and pull off a win but even a draw would not be the worst of results. We don’t see it happening and if Liverpool can play at their best we only see one winner.
It is true that some Liverpool players have gone off the boil in recent weeks and that includes quality players such as Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz and Jurgen Klopp will need to see his side produce a great game. But they should have the bulk of possession and for Arsenal this is a game about absorbing that pressure and breaking quick. We should witness a vintage game of football.
Liverpool vs Arsenal Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Liverpool) at 1.77
Anytime goalscorer: Mohamed Salah at 2.50
A player to be sent off at 4.50
The 'PLACE BET' button will take you to BetUK.com, where these selections can be found. Please gamble responsibly, 18+ BeGambleAware.org
© Copyright topfootballtipster.com 2019
