Liverpool v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Liverpool host Arsenal This fixture pits the top two in the division against each other. The Reds thrashed West Ham in the Carabao Cup in midweek whilst the Gunners beat Brighton last weekend. The last meeting between these sides ended in a 2-2 draw.

Liverpool Form

The Reds sit second in the Premier League table with just one loss all season, a defeat with nine men to Tottenham. Overall, their 26 fixtures this season in the league, Europa League, and Carabao Cup have seen just three losses. They followed a valuable 1-1 draw at Man City with five successive wins.

After an uninspiring 2-0 win at Sheffield United, they came back against ten men to win 2-1 at Crystal Palace thanks to a very late goal. A 2-1 defeat at Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League still saw Liverpool top their group. Last weekend, despite 34 shots they could only draw 0-0 at home to Man Utd. On Wednesday, they destroyed West Ham 5-1 at home with 29 shots and 3.16 xG.

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp remains without four longer-term injured players. Andy Robertson has a shoulder problem and Joel Matip has had knee surgery. Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are injured in midweek whilst Alexis Mac Allister remains a doubt and Ryan Gravenberch is set to be ruled out.

Diogo Jota may finally be ready to return whilst Mo Salah will start after a partial rest in midweek. Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones are pushing for a start after some impressive outings of late.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool will play a high-octane game and look for all three points to go to the top of the table.

A draw is no disaster, but Klopp won’t settle for a point at any stage at Anfield.

Arsenal Form

The Gunners are churning out results despite not being at their very best level. They put together a six-match winning streak which included a late goal from Kai Havertz to win 1-0 at Brentford. A 6-0 home thrashing of Lens followed. A 2-1 home win over Wolves was comfortable before needing a last-gasp winner to win 4-3 at Luton.

A 1 0 defeat at Aston Villa saw plenty of chances spurned. They followed a 1-1 draw dead rubber draw at PSV on matchday six of the Champions League with a league win. Last weekend, they limited Roberto de Zerbi’s Brighton to just one shot on target in a controlled 2-0 win at the Emirates.

Arsenal Team News

Jurrien Timber is out long-term and there Mikel Arteta’s midfield options have been limited. Thomas Partey is out and so is Fabio Vieira. Emile Smith Rowe could play some part, but Jorginho is doubtful.

With Takehiro Tomiyasu injured at right back, the XI basically picks itself. Kai Havertz will start in midfield and Gabriel Jesus will lead the line in preference to Leandro Trossard or Eddie Nketiah.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal are top of the table going into the weekend. A draw could see them lose top spot if Aston Villa win their match.

The Gunners will play to win this match but won’t be too open or naïve. A point would be a good result on paper.

Key Stats

Liverpool’s last 50 home league matches have seen just 1 loss (38 wins, 11 draws)

Liverpool have scored 21 goals in their last 8 league matches at home

Arsenal have won just 3 of their last 9 away matches in all competitions

Arsenal have the joint-best defensive record in the league (15 conceded, level with Liverpool)

Verdict

This should be a tight and exciting match. Liverpool are incredibly difficult to beat at Anfield but Arsenal may have enough to leave Merseyside with a point.