Liverpool v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield on Saturday evening in the English Premier League. The hosts just saw a 20 match unbeaten league run ended by West Ham. Arsenal is in fine form and is defending very well. The Gunners are on the longest unbeaten run of any side in the division ahead of this trip to Merseyside.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at West Ham in their last match ended a 25-game unbeaten run with 20 of those in the league. The side has been scoring freely and has netted three or more goals in 10 of their 17 matches this term. However, defensive issues have seen the side win just four of their last nine league matches (four draws, one defeat).

The biggest concern is probably that the side can’t protect leads as all of Brentford, Man City, and Brighton all came from behind and in the Seagulls’ case, a 2-0 lead was thrown away. After an impressive 2-0 home win against Atletico Madrid, Liverpool lost 3-2 at West Ham having trailed 1-0 and 3-1 after being caught out on counter-attacks and set pieces.

Liverpool Team News

Jurgen Klopp has several headaches after the international break. Sadio Mane took a knock and missed Senegal’s match against Congo whilst Andy Robertson hobbled off for Scotland. Midfield Jordan Henderson also returned early from England duty for assessment on a small injury problem, but he should recover in time.

James Milner, Curtis Jones, and Naby Keita are all nearing returns to bolster the options in central midfield. The Brazil contingent of Alisson and Fabinho should be fine to start Roberto Firmino is carrying a hamstring injury. Divock Origi has had a dead leg and is also a doubt.

Liverpool Motivation

After a defeat in their last match, expect a very motivated and high-energy Reds side with their fans roaring them on. A draw would be seen as a disappointing result and Klopp’s side will go all out to take the full three points.

Arsenal Form

Having lost their first three matches, Arsenal has since picked up six wins and two draws in their next eight with five clean sheets. A 3-1 home win against Tottenham was followed by two draws to bring the side back down to earth (0-0 at Brighton and 2-2 vs Crystal Palace at home).

Arsenal has won their last three matches as Aston Villa were beaten 3-1 before an impressive 2-0 win at Leicester. Their last match saw a dominating but tight 1-0 home victory against Watford as Emile Smith Rowe scored a second-half winner.

Arsenal Team News

Granit Xhaka remains out long-term in the central midfield. Thomas Partey missed the last match and two matches for Ghana and remains doubtful. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Albert Sambi Lokonga could deputize, forming a very athletic midfield pairing. Left-back Kieran Tierney is also a slight doubt but should be fit.

The rest of the Arsenal side is very settled and picks itself with Alexandre Lacazette likely to be preferred to Martin Odegaard in support of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The latter has emerged as a slight worry after he was stretchered off in Gabon’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Libya.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal will play to win this match. Mikel Arteta is not expected to change the side’s shape to include an extra defender or midfielder and they will try to go toe-to-toe with Jurgen Klopp’s team.

A draw would still be a good result but it’s not expected that Arsenal will defend and play for a point from the start.

Key Stats

Liverpool have lost 1 of their last 21 PL matches

LFC’s last 3 defeats have come against London clubs

Liverpool have won 4 of their last 9 PL matches (D4, L1)

Salah has scored 7 goals in 9 PL appearances against Arsenal

Arsenal are 8 PL matches unbeaten (W6, D2)

Arsenal have kept 6 clean sheets in their last 9 away PL matches

Liverpool have scored 3+ goals in 9 of their last 11 PL matches against the Gunners

Verdict

The injuries make this match more difficult to predict. Liverpool will be lacking their usual firepower but they still have Salah to count on. Arsenal has a strong defence but they have scored just 13 goals in 11 matches. I am tipping Liverpool to win but the match to have fewer than 3.5 goals.

Multiple Leg: Liverpool win at 1.46
Alternative Bet: Liverpool win and under 3.5 goals at 2.60
Goalscorer Tip: Salah first scorer at 3.60

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis