Arsenal, like last season, go into the game against Liverpool on the back of a good run. They were on a five-match winning streak last term and The Emirates was buzzing. But goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino killed the mood. This season, though, Liverpool arrive a shadow of the side that won at The Emirates in March to make it nine straight wins. The bookies are struggling to split the pair for Sunday’s clash and given their recent form that may seem strange.
The Gunners have been flawless at home and only one defeat away sees them top the table. Their disappointing end to last season seems to be fuelling a desire to finish in the top four this time around and, at the moment, they look like Man City’s biggest rivals for the title. With that in mind, we might have expected Mikel Arteta’s men to be heavy favourites against a Liverpool side who have been well below par. But with both sides a generally-priced 6/4 (Liverpool best priced at Novibet.ie at 13/8) at The Emirates there is a whiff of value about the Gunners.
Arteta has significantly strengthened the spine of his Arsenal team with Gabriel Jesus revamping their attack and William Saliba looking Virgil van Dijk-like at the back. Granit Xhaka has also looked inspired in a creative role which seems to suit his characteristics better. Leicester, Villa, Fulham and Tottenham have all been beaten in north London, but all four teams managed to score against Arteta’s men. That could be a trend which continues this weekend with Jurgen Klopp’s men full of goals, but yet to click this season.
Klopp is struggling to get his side to hit any kind of form, with Sadio Mane’s high pressing being badly missed. The Reds’ attacking 4-3-3 formation has left their full-backs badly exposed this season and the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka will make it another uncomfortable afternoon for Klopp. Martinelli gave Trent Alexander-Arnold a torrid time last season and he could well expose the England man once again. Klopp did adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation in the midweek win over Rangers and it will be interesting to see if he goes with that again. Arsenal, though, are full of confidence and it’s worth supporting the Gunners to get another home win under their belts.
Key stats
– Liverpool have won their last three visits to nil at The Emirates
– Liverpool failed to win five of their opening seven Premier League games
– Arsenal have lost their last four league games against Liverpool, but have never lost five consecutively
– Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus have both scored five Premier League goals this season
– Liverpool have completed the most crosses (185) in the league this season
– Liverpool edged possession with 51.6% in their win over Arsenal last time out
– There have been exactly 7 corners in the last two meetings between the sides
Suggested bets
– Arsenal to win and BTTS 100/30 (16/5)
– Gabriel Martinelli to score anytime 14/5 (9/4)
– Arsenal to win 3-1 20/1 (16/1)
– Under 9.5 corners 11/10 (Evens)
