Focus Fixture: Can Arsenal claim three points at Anfield for first time since 2012

Liverpool and Arsenal top the billing in this weekend’s Premier League action. Kopp’s side suffered a slight setback last weekend and it allowed Arsenal to capitalise and take top spot. Liverpool have the chance to extend their unbeaten home record against the Gunners this weekend and they can reclaim first place with a win.

The Form

Liverpool haven’t suffered a defeat in the Premier League since September. They were reduced to nine men when they travelled to take on Tottenham and one of the goals that condemned them to defeat was the source of much controversy. Since then, Liverpool have been almost without blemish. They have drawn with the Manchester clubs, Brighton and Luton but their performances have been very good.

The Reds’ home form is exceptional. They have won 12 of their 13 matches at Anfield in all competitions and have been getting a glut of goals in the process. They were unable to break the deadlock last weekend as Manchester United defended resolutely. Klopp’s side were able to pile on the pressure for the full 90 minutes but to no avail. They will look to remedy that against Arsenal and it seems inconceivable that Arteta’s side will be as defensive as United in their approach.

Klopp’s side are second in the Premier League coming into this round of fixtures. They could drop to third before a ball is kicked at Anfield with Aston Villa hosting Sheffield United but Liverpool will be delighted with the position they are in. Last season was a massive disappointment for the Reds and it saw them surrender their Champions League place for this season. However, the squad has continued to develop and Liverpool 2.0 is in full swing with the second half of the season fast approaching. Liverpool made it to the semi-finals of the League Cup midweek and silverware is on the agenda for Klopp’s men once again.

Arsenal made huge strides forward last season but were unable to cap the season off with a trophy. They were on course to become Premier League centurions at the halfway point of the season but they fell away in the final months of the season and allowed Manchester City to secure the title with relative ease. Arteta will be keen to ensure his side don’t repeat those mistakes in this campaign and can stay the course.

Arsenal were beaten by Aston Villa in their last Premier League away match but they responded by putting on a fantastic display at home against Brighton last weekend. The Gunners dominated from start to finish and earned plaudits from Roberto De Zerbi who claimed Arsenal had made his side “suffer”.

The Runners and the Riders

Liverpool are missing some players here but Klopp still has a strong squad to choose from. Joel Matip will be out for the remainder of the season so Konate is likely to partner Van Dijk in defence. Andy Robertson is also injured. Thiago and Digo Jota will also miss the clash.

Arsenal are blessed with a wealth of midfield options and Arteta will be thankful. Partey and Vieira are unavailable due to injury. Jurrien Timber remains sidelined for a lengthy spell with the injury he picked up earlier in the season.

What They Said

Arteta highlighted the fact that Arsenal still had plenty to accomplish when he was asked about his four years in charge. He said “We still haven’t won important things. We want to be more successful.” However, he recognised how far the team had come by saying “We’ve achieved a lot. That’s thanks to the people on this journey and the ones behind us as well.”

Jurgen Klopp touched on his recent criticism of the Anfield crowd: "I love it to bits. I am overly happy with everything. What I said is we need Anfield tomorrow and that’s 100% true. I can't wait for the first whistle."

Bet Builder Tip

The first selection for our bet builder is for both teams to score in the match. Liverpool are averaging 3.08 goals per game at Anfield this season. The 0-0 draw with Manchester United was the first time they had failed to score in a competitive match in the campaign. They put five past West Ham midweek as they exorcised their demons from drawing a blank against Erik Ten Hag’s side 

Klopp’s side have played 26 matches in all competitions this season and there has been an average of 3.38 goals per match. The Reds have contributed 2.42 of those and the underlying numbers also make for good reading. Liverpool have the 2nd highest home xG in the Premier League and they should create some quality chances despite taking on one of the league’s best here.

Arsenal are capable of scoring themselves. With Aston Villa facing Sheffield United, the Gunners know that they are likely to need a win to retain top spot and the best approach here may be to fight fire with fire. Last season, this fixture finished 2-2 and Arsenal were able to snatch all three points at the Emirates in a thrilling 3-2 victory. We should see some good football once again and it promises to be a goal-friendly affair.

We are combining both teams to score with Gabriel Martinelli to have at least one shot on target in the match. The Brazilian is averaging one shot on target per 90 minutes for Arsenal this season and he has enjoyed his recent matches against Liverpool.

The winger scored in both meetings with Liverpool last season and will be keen to make an impact once again. Martinelli hasn’t been scared to let fly in recent weeks. He’s had a shot on target in three of his last five matches for the Gunners. He hit the woodwork in one of those where he didn’t and had three blocked shots in the match against Brighton.

Featured Bet

 Back Both Teams To Score & over 0.5 Shots On Target For Martinelli at 2.26