Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview – Arsenal will be looking to jump above their visitors in the Premier League table when they face Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners have lost just one of their last seven games in all competitions and sit one point behind Liverpool ahead of their meeting. Last time out the Gunners secured a 1-0 win against Newcastle thanks to a wonder strike from Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker has come into his own in recent weeks and is showing glimpses of the ability that saw him regarded as one of the best number tens in the world.
Ozil and Sanchez could be heading out of the Emirates at the end of the season Photo Credit: skysports.com
With both Alexis Sanchez and Ozil’s futures still in doubt, it will be a tough month for Arsenal as they look to keep hold of their main assets. Both players will be free to negotiate a move away from the club with foreign teams in January, which could leave Arsenal questioning their decision to not cash in on the pair in January. The speculation over the pair could raise issues in the Arsenal camp and potentially de-rail their campaign. With Arsene Wenger’s side heading into a run of favourable fixtures, a win in this game could really help them build some momentum.
Liverpool come into the game unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions. Jurgen Klopp’s men are in fine form, having won three of their last five games. Last time out the Reds demolished Bournemouth and left the Vitality Stadium with a 4-0 victory. Mohamad Salah grabbed himself his 21st goal of the season and his 11th goal in 11 games. The Egyptian has been a revelation since making his move from Roma in the summer with many pundits labelling him as the signing of the season.
Salah, Firmino and Coutinho have become a world class attacking trio Photo Credit: skysports.com
With Phillipe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino also in the goals, there are very few teams who can keep the ‘fab four’ at bay. With the amount of pace and skill in the Liverpool attack goals are almost a formality, but keeping the back door shut is a different story. It has been the case for Liverpool for so long. With such a potent attack, I have no doubt if Liverpool invest in some world-class defenders, they could be genuine title contenders. As is often the case, they haven’t done so and therefore they will never be able to end their 27-year wait for a league title.
Liverpool are unbeaten in five meetings with the Gunners and have won their last three. Arsenal haven’t won against Liverpool since 2015 when they came away 4-1 winners. The last four meetings between the team has served up 21 goals which average out at over five goals a game. Given both sides’ inability to defend, I expect goals in this game, with over 3.5 a good bet if you’re feeling confident. I’m going to go for a Liverpool win in this one, in what could be another classic encounter between the pair.
Prediction: Arsenal 2-3 Liverpool
SKYBET: CORRECT SCORE LIVERPOOL 3-2- 20/1
SKYBET: SALAH TO SCORE AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN- 3/1
SKYBET: SALAH AND SANCHEZ BOTH TO SCORE- 11/2
SKYBET: LACAZETTE TO SCORE FIRST AND ARSENAL TO WIN 3-1- 40/1
SKYBET: BTTS IN BOTH HALVES- 17/2
SKYBET: BTTS AND OVER 3.5 GOALS- 11/8
SKYBET: TO SCORE AND WIN- MANE TO SCORE AND LIVERPOOL TO WIN- 9/2
