Prediction: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s time to take a step back from the chaos of the Premier League as we get stuck into some Carabao Cup action. The final sixteen teams remaining in the competition will compete for the right to play in the quarter-finals, with all eight fixtures being played later on this week. The game that we’re going to be looking at today will see two giants of the English game, Liverpool and Arsenal, square off at Anfield in what will serve as the second meeting of the season between the top six sides.

Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp will be well aware of the fact that the schedule is about to get much trickier, as over the winter period, they could realistically be competing in four different competitions as they attempt to make history this season. They’ve got a strong squad with some real depth to it, but a few cracks have started to show in terms of how capable they are of putting teas away. There are some defensive issues that need to be rectified, and some fresh faces in the Carabao Cup could be exactly what they need.

Team News

Virgil van Dijk is a doubt after suffering a dead leg against Spurs, with Clyne and Shaqiri both having being ruled out. Oxlade-Chamberlain is expected to start against his former club.

Arsenal

Unai Emery, as a direct contrast, is being heavily questioned as fans and media members alike wonder whether or not he’s still the right man for the job. The Gunners seem to be regressing despite some of the new faces they’ve been able to bring into the club, and they still appear to be suffering from the same leadership issues that have been painfully evident for well over a decade now. They’ve got time to resolve it, but they can’t afford to pick up too many more notable losses.

Team News

Xhaka is expected to be rested after his controversial substitution against Palace, with Bellerin being tipped to start as Tierney is rested.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in August, Liverpool beat Arsenal 3-1.
• Liverpool have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 14 goals and conceded seven in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 11 goals and conceded six in their last six games.

Conclusion

While the inevitable weakened sides being put out could wind up favouring Arsenal, we just can’t see past a Liverpool win here. They don’t even need to put in 100% of their effort in order to get things done anymore, and they certainly won’t need to push the boat out against what will likely be a depleted Arsenal side following recent results. It’s going to be pretty tight throughout most of the 90 minutes, but we believe the runaway league leaders will eventually pull away make their way into the quarter-finals.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: bet365