Prediction: Arsenal vs Liverpool



Verdict: Liverpool Draw no bet

Best Odds: 15/14

Bookmaker: 888sport

With Liverpool just one point ahead in the race for the final Champions League berth, the clash at the Emirates can be seen as a classic top 4 six-pointer. Both sides are already out of the title chase and Champions League qualification is the best they can hope for.

Arsenal

Midway through the new Premier League campaign, Arsenal sit just outside top 4 positions, and they have once again failed to impress their beloved fans. The future does not look too bright for the Gunners as star players Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez look set to leave, while back-up striker Olivier Giroud could follow suit. Arsene Wenger’s charges have been blowing hot and cold ever since the season started and while they managed to show some improvement at the back of late, keeping seven clean sheets in last ten, their strikers have not exactly been bagging goals for fun, having scored mere three goals in last four matches. The good news is that Danny Welbeck has been building his fitness after recovering from injury and Arsene Wenger was certainly happy to see the 27-year-old score the winner in the League Cup clash with West Ham. Arsenal’s home form have been pretty good this term, as witnessed by 13 wins from 15 matches, while they also managed to keep a clean sheet in last three of those. However, with in-form Mohamed Salah plus Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino on the other side, the Gunners defenders will have their work cut out for them.

Team News

According to reports, Ashley Maitland-Niles will be preferred to Sead Kolasinac at left-back, but Shkodran Mustafi is back to the side after recovering from injury.

Olivier Giroud misses out through a hamstring problem, while Aaron Ramsey and Santi Cazorla remain in the treatment room.



Liverpool

Even if Liverpool are clearly one of Premier League’s most exciting sides when going forward, the Reds have so far failed to create any tangible advantage in the race for Champions League positions, mostly because of some shocking defensive showings. As much as Jurgen Klopp is highly rated in England, it has to be noted that he has failed to bring defensive stability to Anfield, and that will continue to haunt him. On the other hand, the Reds have scored goals for fun in most games, with explosive winger Mohamed Salah on top of his game and the likes of Roberto Firmino, Philippe Coutinho and Sadio Mane all chipping in. Liverpool scored three or more goals in 11 of last 14 fixtures, but their forwards were quite disappointing in back to back draws vs Everton and West Bromwich. The good news is that the Reds have since hammered Bournemouth 4-0 on the road, meaning they head to the Emirates in very good sprits. Liverpool impressed to win last four away fixtures in the Premier League, bagging impressive 16 goals in the process, which gives them confidence ahead of the trip to North London.

Team News

The game may come too soon for centre-back Joel Matip, while Daniel Sturridge is ill and Alberto Moreno and Nathaniel Clune are out injured. Emre Can returns from a one-match ban.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool recorded a 4-0 win in the reverse fixture
• Arsenal won 13 of 15 home games this season (D1 L1)
• The Reds won last four away matches in the Premiership, scoring 16 goals
• Liverpool won last three meetings with Arsenal
• The Reds scored three or more in last four matches vs the Gunners

Conclusion

Arsenal have been far from impressive in recent games, especially struggling up front, which cannot be said of Liverpool, who won last four away matches, scoring 16 goals. And having won last three meetings with Arsenal, bagging 11 goals, we are backing the trend to continue.

Verdict: Liverpool Draw no bet

Best Odds: 15/14

Bookmaker: 888sport