The last time Arsenal won a Premier League game at Anfield was all the way back in 2012! History is certainly on the side of the home team, but I think Saturday evening might prove to be a real test for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Their attractive style and aggressive home record might try and pull the wool over our eyes…but do not be fooled. Arsenal are in a great place and I think they are more than capable of going to Liverpool and earning a massive result.
English Premier League
Saturday 20 November
Anfield
19:30
To Win
Liverpool 9/20 | Draw 38/10 | Arsenal 48/10
Liverpool
This isn’t going to be a popular opinion, but I have to say it. If you look at Liverpool’s record you might get a little dizzy and starry-eyed. They have lost just one game from their last ten in all competition, but I don’t think it tells the entire story.
The Red’s humiliated Manchester United but struggled to get the better of Brighton. West Ham were the superior team when they hosted Jurgen Klopp’s men at the London Stadium – dealing incredibly well with the late flurry of attacks synonymous with this Liverpool side.
One thing you cannot take away from the Reds is the fact that you know exactly what you are going to get. Arsenal will go to Anfield, get greeted with hostility, be asked to play in a cauldron of an atmosphere and if they give any sort of indication away that they are uncomfortable…well both the team and the fans will be all over that.
Liverpool usually enjoys having a team come up against them with a degree of confidence, the Reds know how to exploit space and will always look to go toe-to-toe with any side in Europe. I just don’t think Arsenal will be that side.
The home side will have to unlock this Gunners team with creativity and a touch of craftmanship. Liverpool certainly have the ability I’m just not sure they are in the sort of form that justifies a 9/20 price in the market.
Arsenal
I wish I wrote it down somewhere so that I could claim it, but I certainly wasn’t one of those football fans suggesting Arsenal will struggle for too long. I think Mikel Arteta is one of those young managers who went back to his ‘alma mater’ at the right time. It is undisputed that he would have received an incredible and vast array of knowledge and experience during his time under Pep Guardiola, and inevitably he would be better prepared for all that the Premier League would throw his way.
I think his Arsenal side have a unique identity under his leadership but most impressive is his commitment to what he and his backroom staff believe is correct! The style and system didn’t change whilst they were sitting bottom of the log, and it hasn’t changed now when they are starting to see the heels of the big boys on top.
Not only does this reinforce the belief and support of the players, but also that of the fans – even if your fan base is rooted in flimsy and popular click-bait-styled opinion.
I am in no way, shape or form insinuating that Arsenal have arrived at the promise land, but I think they have everything a team seeking success requires.
For Gunnersaurus Rex and the gang (is he still around?) it’s been the Emile Smith Rowe show of late, the youngster recently received his English call up and his extraordinary form is enough justification. He is a seriously talented individual not only in front of goal but increasingly in linking the attack and defence.
Prediction: Arsenal Win/Draw Double Chance + BTTS (51/20)
I can’t believe my safe bet is available at such a price! Arsenal are the in-form team, they have a quality side playing with confidence and a sort of strut. It’s a game straight from the international break, and whilst that might raise questions around momentum…I think they will still be in a better position going into the game than Liverpool.
Liverpool would have probably wanted to go into the game with less question marks around the fitness of their squad, but I don’t think they have been as great as people have suggested. The perspective always seems to be outlandishly positive when Liverpool is involved and I just don’t agree this time. Make the most of the 51/20 on offer!
