Prediction: Liverpool vs Arsenal

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: William Hill

It is a direct battle for top four spot at Anfield on Saturday as Liverpool and Arsenal collide in what is expected to be an openly-contested affair. Both teams and respective managers have been under great pressure lately and the forthcoming clash is a perfect opportunity to get back up on the feet.

Liverpool

The 2016/17 season has so far been hugely inconsistent, but at the same a rather thrilling one as the unpredictable Liverpool have been all over the place from putting incredible, high-level performances to underperforming dramatically. On the positive note, Red boast a fine record against top sides at Anfield this season as they thus far recorded wins over Tottenham, Manchester City and draws against Chelsea and Manchester United. What is more, Liverpool’s season kicked off with a thrilling 4-3 victory at Arsenal and Jurgen Klopp’s men will be extremely keen to inflict another blow to Arsenal’s top four credentials on Saturday afternoon. It will be easier said than done as Liverpool are coming from a disappointing defeat at Leicester City, the one which comes as a huge wake-up call after a mid-season breakaway to Spain. Liverpool’s schedule left them plenty of time to prepare in peace and quiet, but it will have influenced their form and the Reds need to turn on the competitive mode as soon as possible. Jurgen Klopp and his selection decisions have been under the microscope of late and the forthcoming clash will be a huge test for the German tactician as well.

Team News

Hosts remain without captain Jordan Henderson, who missed Monday’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester City due to a bruised foot, whereas Dejan Lovren is likely to miss out on the clash duel to a knee problem.

Striker Daniel Sturridge has come back from illness and returned to training hoping he could be involved at Anfield as his Liverpool future hangs in the balance.

Arsenal

It is the same old story and the same old scenario for Arsenal and their fans, who are fearing for their top four place having previously lost any hope of winning the title for another season. Gunners’ spectacular collapse saw them suffer back-to-back defeats at Everton and Manchester City back in December, before being struck by consecutive blows against Watford and Chelsea at the beginning of February. To make things worse, the North London club have been given a heavy thrashing by Bayern Munich in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League last-16 tie in Munich and that 5-1 slump will still be resonating in their heads. Arsene Wenger’s men are suffering a severe dip in form, seemingly every single one of them except the Chile superstar Alexis Sanchez, whose sizzling form is once again making headlines as Gunners fear over the future of their key man. Reports claim that Sanchez has already made up his mind on summer departure, which could cause an avalanche at the end of the season. Arsene Wenger’s place at the helm is also under doubt and Gunners could use a big morale boost in these times of uncertainty.

Team News

Santi Cazorla is ruled out for the rest of the season, while Arsenal’s midfield problems are highlighted by the absence of Mohamed Elneny and Aaron Ramsey, who did get back to training but is not expected back on the pitch.

Mesut Ozil is expected to recover from a back injury, whereas Laurent Koscielny should be back in time from a hamstring injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Liverpool won only once in all 12 matches played thus far in 2017
• Reds managed to beat Arsenal only once in last eight home games
• Over 2.5 goals were scored in 10 of the last 13 meetings between the two sides
• Only 2 points separate Arsenal & Liverpool in 4^th and 5^th place
• Arsenal lost 4-3 in the reverse encounter in London

Conclusion

The numbers appear to be stacked against Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp’s have this season been rather unpredictable and should not be discarded that easily. They seem to play best against the best and we expect to see a highly-contested clash at Anfield. The Reds do great at home against the big teams and we are prone to back them up for a win.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 21/20

Bookmaker: William Hill