Home of football statistics and historyIt’s the battle of the top guns in the marquee fixture of Premier League game-week three, with leaders Liverpool taking on second-place Arsenal, and you can use 12bet live sports betting to bet on the game while watching it this weekend. Anfield hasn’t exactly been kind to the Gunners in recent years, with memories of a 5-1 thrashing served last season still being raw in Unai Emery’s memories.
Considering that the Gunners haven’t defeated Liverpool in their last eight meetings (via Sofascore), it’s quintessential for Emery to prove his big-match skills by pulling a rare win at Anfield. Of course, when you look at how Liverpool are undefeated at home in the last 41 games, it’s a Goliath task for Arsenal.
Especially when you consider their leaky defence, made none better than the unpredictable David Luiz, certain fireworks could spark up on Saturday. Now one can understand why Unai Emery’s explained he doesn’t ever want to play against Liverpool (via Liverpool Echo). Of course, this fixture has earned the reputation of being a slobber knocker in recent years, always being packed with goals and memorable moments.
Who can forget the 4-4 draw at Anfield a decade ago? Or the more recent 3-3 draw at the Emirates in 2017? For both teams who value open-ended attacking football, this is yet again bound to be an absolute thriller.
Predicted Liverpool Starting Lineup:
Adrian, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Henderson, Fabinho, Wijnaldum, Salah, Firmino, Mane.
Predicted Arsenal Starting Lineup:
Leno, Maitland-Niles, Luiz, Sokratis, Kolasinac, Willock, Ceballos, Guendouzi, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Players To Watch
Nicolas Pepe:
After sealing a club-record £72 million move from Ligue 1 side Lille, Nicolas Pepe is slowly being integrated into Arsenal’s system. However, what better for him to make a full debut than against Liverpool? Pepe was among only two players (alongside Lionel Messi) to score and assist in double figures last season. He already proves his exciting talent with bright movement, dribbling ability, and sparks of creativity against Burnley. If he’s unleashed at Anfield, the unpredictable winger could bewilder Liverpool’s defence to cause some real problems going forward.
Mohamed Salah:
It could be said that Mohamed Salah’s had a slow start(to his standards) to the season with only a single goal so far. The Egyptian’s scored against Arsenal thrice in four Premier League meetings and can cause Saed Kolasinac real problems with his trickery. Salah still has that goal-scoring edge to his game, which could sting the Gunners on Saturday.
Sadio Mane: Sadio Mane joined Liverpool’s party relatively late due to his ACON commitments but proved his class in a wondrous showing against Southampton. He’s looking dangerous as ever with his clever movement and silky finishing. Considering how susceptible Arsenal are to mobile players, the Liverpool #10 could run rings around them this weekend.
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