Liverpool vs Arsenal
This could be the big weekend in the 2022/23 Premier League title race folks; Arsenal’s last big challenges to their title credentials are on the horizon and the first one, a trip to Anfield, is a whopper!
Okay, Liverpool are not the team they were last season but, on home ground, they can be a formidable opponent; just ask Manchester United who were thumped 7-0 by Jurgen Klopp’s team only four weeks ago. Since then the Reds have stumbled but, believe me, they will be up for this one.
Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are finally favourites to win the title, according to the latest Premier League 2023 betting odds, but their eight point lead will be reduced to five if Manchester City beat bottom club Southampton on Saturday. Arsenal still have Newcastle United and Manchester City to play away from home, and Chelsea at the Emirates, not to mention a tasty London Derby away to West Ham.
It’s a daunting fixture list but if they can emerge from Anfield with three points, then the title will be Arsenal’s to lose.
Talking Points
Klopp searching for the right mix
Following their destruction of Manchester United, Liverpool’s run of three defeats sparked a series of meetings at Anfield as the manager and his senior team looked for a solution. Trent-Alexander Arnold and Andrew Robertson have been devastating as wing-backs for a number of seasons; but injury to the Scot and a terrible loss of form for Trent has blunted one of Klopp’s main weapons.
Kostas Tsimikas and Joe Gomez operated at full back in a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Tuesday; but they are not as creative as the established pair, and the absence of Virgil Van Dijk meant they had more defensive work to do. At the other end of the pitch the Reds were totally toothless during their tip to Stamford Bridge as Klopp started with Darwin Nunez and Roberto Firmino up front, and substitutes Mo Salah and Cody Gakpo didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
In midfield Fabinho has lost some sharpness and is a red card risk, so if Thiago is fit he should step in, or there might be a chance for 20-year-old Fabio Carvalho to step in alongside Jordan Henderson.
I expect Klopp to make at least four changes to his team on Sunday, with Salah and Robertson surely in the starting eleven.
Arsenal sweating on Saliba
Arsenal have been sensational in attack this season, but they have been equally impressive in defence with French centre back William Saliba enjoying a brilliant season. But the 22-year-old limped off during the Europa League defeat to Sporting Lisbon last month and he missed the last two games, 4-1 wins over Crystal Palace and Leeds United. With respect to the Eagles and the Whites they are not a comparable force to a fully firing Liverpool, and Mikel Arteta will hope Saliba makes it; though Rob Holding has deputised well over the past two weeks.
The Gunners met Leeds on April Fools Day but Arteta’s team didn’t mess around as they dispatched the Whites with ease, and the return of Gabriel Jesus from injury has come at the perfect time as the Brazil striker scored twice in the win. He had a brilliant first half of the campaign and, in an attack which boasts the exciting talents of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard, his re-appearance might just be icing on the cake for the Gunners.
History
Liverpool have won 27 of their last 70 encounters with Arsenal, losing 22 and drawing 21, but they lost a five-goal thriller at the Emirates as Bukayo Saka scored a second half brace for the Gunners.
In terms of recent form; while Arsenal have won three of the last five the Reds have struggled badly since they thrashed Manchester United; losing three before they played out that limp 0-0 draw away to Chelsea.
But, as always, Klopp’s team has been dominant at home with nine wins, three draws and one defeat this season.
Betting Tip
Arsenal are SBOTOP favourites to win this game at a price of 2.34 with Liverpool at 2.54 and the draw is priced at 3.25.
The Reds’ Premier League 2023 results have been unconvincing so far but I wouldn’t put it past them to give the Gunners a big test, and if Arteta’s men can pass it, then their fans will start to believe this is their year.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT))
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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