Liverpool vs Arsenal
A heavyweight clash – the third in as many weeks in the new season – and one which could determine the early Premier League pacesetters.
After all, these sides are the only ones with a 100 per cent record after the first two games so something has to give.
But who will blink first and what will the result of this tell us about both clubs in the long months ahead?
Talking Points
Well, certainly it will either confirm what many already expect: that Liverpool are likely to be title challengers yet again or that Arsenal could surprise a few people and better their fifth place finish in Unai Emery’s debut campaign last season.
Liverpool’s attacking verve will certainly test the validity of Arsenal’s positive start, not to mention their recent dire record at Anfield.
In fact, given the attacking stars on show on both sides and Arsenal’s defensive doubts, you could be forgiven for expecting goals galore on Saturday.
Naby Keita is expected to miss out again with a muscle problem but Jurgen Klopp has a largely full strength squad to choose from with Fabinho and Jordan Henderson – rested from the starting line-up against Southampton last weekend – and Georginio Wijnaldum, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all in line for a role.
The attack and defence should stay largely the same.
As for Arsenal, David Luiz made his first start for the club against Burnley and should retain his place in the line-up alongside Sokratis Papastathopoulos.
Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock have started both of the opening games of the season but Emery has hinted that Nicolas Pepe could start at Anfield.
The midfield battle could be key and it’s clear Liverpool have the edge there and in all areas of the park.
Yet there are no givens when these two sides meet.
So often in the Premier League era, Arsenal have memorably thwarted Liverpool at crucial times.
In recent seasons, the Merseysiders have had the edge. Indeed, Klopp has not been beaten by Arsenal since he was appointed Liverpool boss in October 2015.
What is regular is that Premier League highlights are more often than not guaranteed.
Think, most notably, Andriy Arshavin, Robbie Fowler, Robin van Persie and Thierry Henry.
Could we be set for another classic?
History
What a history between these two greats.
After dominating the English football landscape for 15 years in the 1970s and the 1980s, it was actually Arsenal who triggered the start of their decline with an unforgettable victory at Anfield – one of two in three years in the late 80s/early 90s.
Liverpool now have the best side the club has had in a decade and possess the best chance of ending their title drought which stretches back nearly three decades.
They showed that last December, albeit against a slightly understrength Gunners, when they thrashed them 5-1 at Anfield to move, temporarily, 10 points clear at the summit – led by a Roberto Firmino hat-trick.
That was a third successive home win over Arsenal and they have not lost against them, home or away, since April 2015 – nine games ago.
They have not been defeated on home soil since September 2012 when Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla scored in a 2-0 win.
The other meeting last season was an exciting 1-1 draw at the Emirates in which Alexandra Lacazette cancelled out Milner’s opener.
Overall, Liverpool have 87 wins compared to Arsenal’s 78 and 61 draws.
Betting Tip
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Liverpool vs Arsenal | Liverpool Asian Handicap -1.00 @ 1.80 |
| August 25, 00:30 (GMT+8) |
The SBOBET Premier League betting odds make Liverpool firm favourites.
The 1X2 odds have them @ 1.48 with Arsenal well adrift @ 6.40. The draw is available @ 4.30.
Asian Handicap betting offers some tempting bets as usual with Liverpool -1.00 @ 1.80, -1.25 @ 2.04 and -1.50 @ 2.31.
Arsenal can be backed +1.00 @ 2.14.
You can tell goals are expected with over 3.50 goals priced @ 2.17 and over 3.25 goals @ 1.97.
That is further reflected by the fact total goal 0-1 @ 5.80 is much higher than total goal 2-3 @ 2.19 and 4-6 @ 2.43.
Double Chance Arsenal or draw @ 2.53 shows how the visitors are not fancied to improve their recent record at Liverpool.
For another big home win, correct score Liverpool 4-1 Arsenal, the odds are @ 18.00.
The draw at half-time and Liverpool win at full-time – Half Time Full Time – @ 4.30 is tempting but I cannot see past a Liverpool victory against opponents whose weaknesses seem to remain.
| A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR () BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
 = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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