Premier League leaders Arsenal entertain Liverpool on Sunday and the hosts will fancy their chances.
This is to be a 165th clash between the two clubs, the 61st in the Premier League, and Arsenal will be out to address its poor record against Jürgen Klopp’s side, having won just once in 13 Premier League meetings with the German coach. The Liverpool boss got the better of Mikel Arteta on each of the last four occasions the two went head-to-head in the league.
At the start of the current Premier League campaign few would have backed Arteta’s army to get one over the once-mighty Reds, but a series of strong showings in the early-season together with Liverpool’s mediocre run of form sees the Gunners boasting substantial confidence of a rare victory over Klopp’s men.
💾 Match Loading: #ARSLIV
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 8, 2022
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Arsenal came into this weekend atop the Premier League table with seven wins from their opening eight matches. On the contrary Liverpool have claimed only two wins from seven games and last season’s PL runners-up are overly devoid of form, confidence, and mojo at present.
The Reds have earned just 10 points, 11 fewer than their opposition, and avoiding defeat in North London will be imperative for Klopp to get his team back on track amidst an underwhelming start to the season. Liverpool have drawn four league games – half their stalemates from the entirety of last term – having already been held by Fulham, Crystal Palace, Everton, and Brighton.
Recent meetings between Arsenal and Liverpool have produced a stern one-sidedness in favour of Sunday’s visitors, with the Merseysiders winning all but one of their last seven league encounters. Arteta got one over Klopp in this fixture two years ago, in what was the two managers’ maiden rendezvous, and now the Spaniard seeks a second success over the Liverpool boss.
The last time Arsenal won and kept a clean sheet against Liverpool came back in 2013. In more recent times, at least three goals were scored in six of the last seven Premier League clashes between them.
(Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
On the injury front, the home team are without Mohamed Elneny and Emile Smith Rowe, meanwhile Liverpool have an extensive issue in midfield with Naby Keïta, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Curtis Jones, and Arthur Melo all ruled out. Andrew Robertson is also expected to miss the clash in the capital.
According to Bet365, the two sides have an equal chance of victory with Arsenal and Liverpool both 2.55 to win; 3.60 for a draw. The same bookies have total goals over 3,5 (2.37) and over 4,5 (4.33).
Gabriel Jesus has netted five times this league campaign and the Arsenal striker is at 6.50 for first scorer or 2.75 to score anytime in the match – identical odds to Liverpool ace Mohamed Salah.
Roberto Firmino is Liverpool’s joint-top scorer against Arsenal in the Premier League era (9 goals) and only Robbie Fowler has struck more times overall (12) versus the Gunners than the Brazilian forward. Firmino is 8.50 to score the first goal or 3.50 for anytime scorer, identical odds to countryman Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka of the Arsenal.
Kick-off comes from the Emirates Stadium at 15H30 GMT / 17H30 CET.
