Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview

The big match this weekend in the Premier League is Liverpool vs Arsenal at Anfield. It kicks off at 17.30 on Saturday and the hosts are odds on at 1.50 to get the win. The draw is chalked up at around 4.60 and if you fancy Arteta’s Gunners to pull off an upset you can back them at 7.00 with a couple of firms. Liverpool have had the better of recent exchanges with Arsenal and they haven’t lost at Anfield against the Londoners since 2012. Will Klopp’s side keep that record intact, or can Arteta engineer a surprise victory? Find out in our preview below.

Liverpool

It had been apparent for a while that Liverpool were suspect defensively and West Ham proved exactly that at London Stadium before the International break. The Reds were deservedly beaten 3-1 and West Ham’s goals were splendid examples of how Liverpool can be got at. They have been poor at set pieces and defending crosses and the first and third goals came from corners. They have also looked susceptible to pace in behind and Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals exploited that fact to link up for West Ham’s second.

At the other end of the pitch, Liverpool are at least still scoring goals. They have netted at least twice in their last eight games in the Premier League with Salah (10) and Mane (6) doing most of the damage. However, injuries are starting to mount up and the squad is starting to look stretched, especially in midfield. Fabinho and Henderson both reported back from international duty with knocks and they are doubts. Jones, Milner, Keita and Elliott remain sidelined so who will Klopp play in the engine room?

It looks like Thiago and Chamberlain are the only two senior midfielders that are definitely fit. If either of those get injured, the kids may have to step up. Firmino is also out but Mane should be fit to feature after bruising his ribs when on international duty. As is usually the case, Liverpool will look to start at a million miles an hour and blow Arsenal out of the water. However, if they don’t score in the first 20 minutes, it could be a tricky evening for them.

Arsenal

It has been a season of two halves for Arsenal. The pressure was mounting on Arteta in a big way after a dreadful start. The Gunners lost three in a row to kick off their season in the Premier League, conceding nine and scoring none. However, since their embarrassing 5-0 hammering vs Man City, they have turned the corner. Arsenal are now on the longest unbeaten run in the division after winning six and drawing two of their last eight matches.

They have rocketed up the table and they look like real top 4 contenders right now. Arteta’s men are just two points behind Liverpool so they can overtake them with victory on Saturday. The lack of European football is a big plus for Arsenal as they look to re-establish themselves amongst the Premier League’s leading lights. On the injury front, Xhaka remains out and Partey and Aubameyang face late fitness tests.

This match will tell exactly how far Arsenal have come. Their unbeaten run has come against sides you’d expect them to beat and this is their toughest test since that 5-0 reversal vs City. Arteta will be looking to his young stars Smith-Rowe and Saka to take the game to Liverpool and he’ll be hoping that Aubameyang and Partey are available for selection. If those two are fit, Arsenal will fancy their chances of taking all three points.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Possible Lineups

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Matip, Tsimikas, Thiago, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Henderson/Fabinho, Salah, Jota, Mane.

Arsenal: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Lokonga, Partey, Smith-Rowe, Saka, Aubameyang, Lacazette.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Betting Tips

Arsenal are as big as 7.00 for this match and that looks a huge price. Liverpool’s defensive frailties are there for all to see this season, especially in recent Premier League outings. They failed to win their last two matches at Anfield, drawing 2-2 with Man City and Brighton. West Ham caused them all sorts of problems last time out and now Klopp has more injuries to deal with.

Arsenal have real momentum behind them and they’ll come into this match full of confidence. They’ve kept three successive clean sheets on the road and they’ve conceded just 3 goals in their last 8 EPL games. Most importantly, they have the pace up front to get in behind and that is Liverpool’s Achilles’ Heel. The Gunners are surely worth backing at odds of 7.00.

Also, if Fabinho and Henderson are out, Thiago will have lots of defensive responsibilities. The Spaniard has few equals when it comes to passing the ball but he isn’t the best of tacklers. He hasn’t been booked yet this season but this could be the time to back him, especially if he is in the anchor role. At odds of 22/5, back Thiago in the ‘to be shown a card’ market.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Betting Tips: Arsenal to win @ 7.00 (Betfred/Betfair Exchange); Thiago to be booked @ 5.40 (BetVictor)

-DaveStevos