Two of the Premier League’s top-six go head to head in the game of the weekend at Anfield. Both sides have enjoyed a perfect start to the new season, but neither can afford to fall off the blistering pace that is required to compete for honours in the top-flight in England. But, will it be Arsenal or Liverpool celebrating on Saturday evening?
Match Preview
Jurgen Klopp would have been delighted with his side’s start to the new season after coming desperately close last season to winning their first-ever Premier League title. Back to back wins against Norwich City and Southampton has been the perfect start, while the Reds also celebrated winning the Super Cup against Chelsea. However, there would still be cause for concern defensively as the Reds don’t look the same level as they were last season. The right-hand side is particularly worrying for Klopp as Trent Alexander-Arnold is constantly getting caught out of position, while the German is yet to decide whether it will be Joe Gomez or Joel Matip who will be his preferred partner for Virgil van Dijk.
Meanwhile, injury to Alison has also meant plenty of first-team action for Adrian, who went from hero to zero. He saved the match-winning penalty in the Super Cup shootout, before making a terrible mistake in the game at St Mary’s against Southampton, which almost let the unfancied side back into the game. The defence will need to be stronger against a vibrant Arsenal frontline. Otherwise, there would be a first Anfield defeat in nearly two seasons.
The Gunners are thrilled with their start to the season, as they have won their opening two fixtures of a Premier League season for the first time in ten years. However, much like Liverpool, there are still concerns about their defensive areas, and the position alongside David Luiz looks up for grabs. The threat of Arsenal is undoubtedly in their attacking ranks, with the summer arrival of Nicolas Pepe joining the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The trio could be one of the best forward lines in the league if Unai Emery works hard on their transitional play, and it could be an exciting season for the Gunners. Aubameyang finished last season as the top scorer in the league, and he has already got two goals in two, and his battle against Alexander-Arnold will be crucial in determining which way this fixture goes. Aubameyang is currently the second favourite with BetXChange to end the season with a second consecutive golden boot.
Head to Head
Liverpool holds the narrow advantage in the overall record having won on 87 occasions compared to Arsenal’s 78. There have also been 61 draws in this fixture. The Reds won this fixture last season 5-1, and Anfield has been a particularly difficult place for the Gunners to win at. Arsenal haven’t won at Anfield since their 2-0 success in 2012.
Tip
This should be a thrilling encounter between two of the leagues best attacks. The defensive issues that both sides have means that there is an excellent chance of a high scoring fixture, and then it would come down to who could score more and which side has more to lose. Liverpool’s trio of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino have all registered at least one goal this season and Klopp will be pressing home the importance of making sure that Liverpool hold an advantage in the title race over Manchester City. For that reason, Liverpool will win this potentially classic fixture.
Tip: Liverpool to win and over 2.5 goals at 0.87 with BetXChange.
