Preview and Prediction
Both teams used to be the classic rivals. The Gunners were once The Reds’ contender in 1988/89 season title race, or one season before the Scouse side last won the domestic league back in 1990. Yet, this season, Pierre Aubameyang and Co are even outside the top five and still struggling for sealing one spot for the Europa League since they are stuck still on the ninth of the table with eight points adrift of Manchester United on the fifth. This midweek, Arsenal will be taking on the current Premier League Champions at their home turf. It is surely a tricky clash for them.
The teams’ previous matches
Mikel Arteta’s men were involved in a North London derby last weekend. Unfortunately, the lady luck was not on their side as they slumped to a 1-2 defeat despite taking the lead first by Alexander Lacazette’s goal. However, the Korean Republic international Son Heung-min took advantage of David Luiz’s blunder to close him down and scored an equaliser. He also provided an assist for the winning goal by Toby Alderweireld’s header. Previously, Aubameyang had a decent chance but his strike only rattled the bar. Such loss eventually ended their five unbeaten run.
Liverpool, on the other hand, only managed to pick up one point against Burnley in a 1-1 draw. Andrew Robertson’s header gave them the lead first. Jay Rodriguez once again netted an important goal of the game to make it level.
Possible tactic
Mikel Arteta might still cling on the 3-4-3 formation. Bukayo Saka is likely to replace Nicolas as one the front trio with Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre Aubameyang in the starting IX after the Ivorian’s disappointing form previously. They gain supports from Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos in the midfield. The missing of Lucas Torreira, Callum Chambers, Eddie Nketiah, Mesut Ozil, Bernd Leno, Gabriel Martinelli and Pablo Mari start to affect their form as they only have limited options with qualities on the bench .
Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp has always been in favour of 4-3-3. Mo Salah, Firmino and Sadio Mane have been the top frontmen these past two seasons. However, their starting IX will be without Joel Matip, James Milner and the captain Jordan Henderson due to their injury. Joe Gomez, Curtis Jones and Naby Keita are likely to take over their posts.
Players to watch
Pierre Aubameyang is the key man upfront alongside the Frenchman Alexander Lacazette. Both have scored twenty nine goals and provided five assists altogether. Some other notable figures on the pitch are the former Real Madrid man, Dani Ceballos who thrives in 3-4-3 and the youngster Bukayo Saka who has bagged three goals and made ten assists in Premier League and Europa League.
In Liverpool, Mo Salah is still the top performer of the team with nineteen goals and nine assists. Another notable one which might be given a chance in the starting line up is the youngster Curtis Jones, who bagged one goal versus Aston Villa.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction
Mikel Arteta’s side knows that this match will be intriguing as Liverpool might have less pressure to win, which might lead Jurgen Klopp’s men to enjoy the game more. Arsenal will fall into the trap if they think it will be easy to seal a win. Nevertheless, the game is still potentially tight and a draw might be the fairest result.
Betting odds
This match is expected to be even. Yet, the visitor is backed to win higher at 1.87 whereas Arsenal are only priced to win at 3.90. The odds for the draw result are at 3.85.
