Prediction: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport

Another weekend of Premier League action is upon us as teams up and down the top flight attempt to build some momentum for themselves in the first few games of the new season. Today, we’ll be taking a look at what should be a fascinating clash of styles between Liverpool and Arsenal. Both clubs are starting to look like they could be future title rivals in the next few years, but they’re definitely at different levels in their progression.

Liverpool

Despite all of the negative energy from opposition clubs this season, Liverpool have been able to carry on proving themselves as one of the best clubs in world football. They may not run away with the title quite as easily as they did last time out but if they can convincingly see off the challenge of Arsenal, many will start to believe that they could do something special once again.

Team News

Gomez is struggling with a niggle and could well miss out on this game, and there are three more notable absences in the form of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Matip and Henderson. Given their depth in the middle of the park, though, Liverpool aren’t likely to struggle when filling that void.

Arsenal

Arsenal are a fun team to watch and that’ll continue to be the case for as long as they’ve got Arteta at the helm. They’re building a squad that wants to fight for the badge on their shirt and that’s something this club has been sorely lacking for far too long. They may not be going after the Premier League title in a hurry but all they’ll really be interested in is their pursuit of the top four – because that’s an objective they need to hit if they want to keep improving.

Team News

Arsenal will attempt to put forward their best possible starting XI but they’ve still got plenty of injuries to consider. Sokratis, Soares and Tierney are all doubtful with Chambers, Mari, Martinelli, Mustafi and Smith Rowe being confirmed as absences for the trip to Anfield.

Factors to Consider

• Arsenal have beaten Liverpool in their last two meetings.
• Liverpool have won four and drawn two of their last six games.
• Arsenal have won five and drawn one of their last six games.
• Liverpool have scored 23 goals and conceded 10 in their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 14 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

This is going to be a highly tactical game and we’re pretty confident in saying it isn’t going to be quite as easy or simple as it seemed to be against Chelsea for Liverpool. Mikel Arteta will do everything in his power to stop the Reds as he has done twice before, but on this occasion, we think the champions will come away with the victory. We’re backing Liverpool to edge it out 1-0, but that won’t be a shameful result for the Gunners – not by a long shot.

Prediction: Liverpool win

Best Odds: 4/9

Bookmaker: 888sport