Big Match Breakdown: Arsenal v Liverpool
Published:
Expect goals at the Emirates
The festive football really kicks into gear on Friday night, when Arsenal host Liverpool.
Both sides are battling for a top-four place. And they can both be suspect at the back too.
It’s all set up for a great game in North London and the Coral News Team have all the pre-match info…
Head to Head
Liverpool thrashed the Gunners 4-0 at Anfield back in August. It was their third straight victory over Arsene Wenger’s side.
Arsenal have only won one of the last seven meetings between the two clubs.
The Reds are fourth, a point and a place above Arsenal.
Likely XIs
Aaron Ramsey’s absence means Arsenal are likely to persist with Granit Xhaka and Jack Wilshere in midfield, ahead of a back four.
If Shkodran Mustafi is fit, Nacho Monreal should return to his natural left-back position. If not, Monreal will continue to fill in at centre-back, with young Ainsley Maitland-Niles on the left.
Jurgen Klopp could keep faith with most of the side that thrashed Bournemouth 4-0 last week, with Sadio Mane coming in for Georginio Wijnaldum.
Key Battles
Arsenal couldn’t live with Liverpool’s speed on the counter at Anfield. Xhaka and Wilshere will need to ensure they protect the defence.
Going forward, the home side will fancy their chances against a centre-back duo of Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be keen to impress on his first game at the Emirates as an opposition player.
But Liverpool’s danger man will be Mohamed Salah, if he’s fit to start. Monreal is an excellent one-on-one defender but may struggle against the winger’s speed.
Match Odds
There have been at least four goals in each of the last four games between these two clubs. Over 3.5 Goals is 5/4.
Alexandre Lacazette has scored seven of his eight league goals at home. The Arsenal striker’s 4/1 to score First.
On the other side, Liverpool will be hoping Salah is able to start. He’s 5/1 to score First and 6/4 Anytime.
There have been more goals scored in the 90th minute or later in this fixture than any other in Premier League history (17). It’s 17/20 for the 2nd half to be the Highest Scoring Half.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
