Arsenal v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Arsenal host Liverpool The Gunners are unbeaten in their last four league matches against the Reds, with two wins and two draws. Mikel Arteta’s side will be without key defender William Saliba for this clash.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal’s 10-match unbeaten run ended last weekend. Prior to that, they secured some big results this season, including a 2-0 win at Aston Villa and a 1-0 victory away at Tottenham. In the Champions League, they drew 0-0 away at Atalanta. They followed that with a 2-2 draw at Manchester City despite playing with ten men and allowing 28 second-half shots.

Two late goals sealed a 4-2 win over Leicester before beating PSG 2-0 at home. After coming from behind to win 3-1 against Southampton, they suffered a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth, where they played for an hour with ten men and generated just 0.68 xG. In midweek, they beat Shakhtar 1-0 despite allowing seven shots from the 79th minute onward.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta will be without the suspended William Saliba. He hopes to have Jurrien Timber or Takehiro Tomiyasu fit to play at right back, with Ben White moving centrally.

This match comes too soon for captain and key midfielder Martin Ødegaard. Bukayo Saka has missed the last two matches but could return to start this one.

Arsenal Motivation

This is a crucial match in the title race for Arsenal. They will play to win at home in order to reduce the gap to Liverpool to just one point.

The Gunners are expected to play quite defensively. If they take the lead, they may sit back to protect the result.

Liverpool Form

Liverpool have won 11 of their 12 matches this season across three competitions. Since their 1-0 home loss to Nottingham Forest, they have recorded seven consecutive wins, including three victories in the Champions League. A 2-0 home win over Bologna on matchday two followed a 3-1 win at AC Milan on matchday one.

Liverpool won 1-0 at Crystal Palace before securing a 2-1 victory at home against Chelsea last Sunday. The Reds registered 1.94 xG from nine shots. In midweek, they dominated RB Leipzig with a 1-0 away win, registering 2.38 xG and 17 shots.

Liverpool Team News

Arne Slot is set to recall Andy Robertson at left back. Curtis Jones is pushing for a start in midfield, but the safer option is Alexis Mac Allister. Alisson Becker is out injured once again, with Caoimhin Kelleher expected to play.

Harvey Elliott is ruled out after ankle surgery. Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Conor Bradley are all doubtful and will undergo late fitness tests.

Liverpool Motivation

Liverpool are four points ahead of Arsenal, but they cannot afford to lose here. A draw would be a good result, even if it opens the door for Manchester City.

Slot’s team played pragmatically against Chelsea, with 42% possession, but they are capable of adapting tactically in various ways.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 14 of their last 18 matches.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 4 league matches against Liverpool (WDDW).

Liverpool have won 11 of their 12 matches this season (26 goals scored).

Liverpool have won their last 7 matches (18 goals scored, 4 goals conceded).

Verdict

A very close, tactical match is expected. The absence of Saliba is significant, but this Arsenal team has enough quality to avoid defeat.