Premier League football is back with a bang this weekend, after the international break is over. The Reds will hope to restart their domestic charge after some much needed rest, while the Gunners will look to climb their way into the top 4. Who will have what it takes? This is Arsenal Vs Liverpool – The North London Battle.
Match Preview
Arsenal are looking to earn consecutive home wins against Liverpool for the first time since 2015. On the other hand, the Reds have won 4 of their 5 matches in London this season, their most in a PL campaign. Can they add to that tally? Or Can Arsenal end a 6 year wait? Who will come on top in the Emirates? Let’s take a closer look in our match analysis.
Arsenal
The Gunners find themselves in 9th place, with a 9 point deficit to 4th place due to some inconsistent football. In their last 4 games, they were able to defeat Leicester away and seal a crucial North London derby win against rivals Tottenham. However, 2 draws in between were enough to interfere in the top 4 mission. Although they did recover from three goals down to draw 3-3 with West Ham United in their last game before the break, in what was a much needed team spark to say the least. Can they build on that as we approach the end of the season?
Besides the Premier League, Arsenal are still in the Europa League after eliminating Olympiacos 3-2 on aggregate. Arteta can still look at this as an option for next year’s Champions League football, and of course to secure a silverware this season. However, it’s still far from over, as there are still some solid teams left in the competition. The Gunners will take on Slavia Prague on their way for European Glory. Can they go all the way?
Liverpool FC
The Reds will hope to build on their solid London form, after winning 4 of their 5 matches there. In their last game before the break, Liverpool were able to secure a narrow and very important win away at Wolves, to keep their top 4 finish hopes alive. They are currently in 7th place, 5 points behind 4th place Chelsea. However, a loss on Saturday can see them go down to 8th place since Everton have a game in hand, and the deficit to 9th place Arsenal could be cut to just 1 point. Liverpool will try to build on the strong defensive partnership of Kabak and Phillips, as they kept 3 clean sheets in all of their 3 starts together. Can they keep it up and give them some much needed stability at the back?
Every game will be a final now for Klopp’s men, especially in the Champions League, as we approach the decisive stage of the season. Liverpool will face Real Madrid, in what will be a rematch of the 2018 final. Another Ramos Vs Salah matchup, can the Egyptian king take his revenge? In addition, the Champions League is Liverpool’s only hope of a silverware this season, and with the final being played in Instanbul, the fans will hope to recreate the same memories from 2005. Can they juggle that along with a potential top 4 finish?
Team News
Willian missed the Europa League second leg against Olympiacos and the six-goal draw with West Ham three days later. However, the Brazilian has had two weeks to recover from a calf issue for this visit of fallen champions Liverpool. Saka recovered from a hamstring injury to play against West Ham, but he was withdrawn in the second half and subsequently withdrew from the England squad with a separate issue. The versatile wideman should be well rested for Sunday’s match. In addition, Emile Smith Rowe is likely to miss the game after he failed a late fitness test ahead of the England’s under-21 clash against Croatia last night
As for Liverpool, they reported no fresh injury concerns as the international break ended. Roberto Firmino back in training at Kirkby, and is in contention for Arsenal away on Saturday after missing the past three matches due to injury.
Prediction & Current Odds
Arsenal Vs Liverpool – The North London Battle. Bottom line is, we expect this to be an open game as both clubs need the full 3 points. Arsenal’s attacking brilliance has been on display recently, especially after their last comeback. However, their defensive record is not that impressive. Liverpool should be ready to come away with an important victory, as they look like they might be on the right track lately. We also expect that both teams will score, as it will be a highscoring game.
- Over 2.5 goals: 1.72
- Both Teams To Score: 1.61
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