Liverpool vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Title rivals face off in Anfield blockbuster

Liverpool state of play 

The reigning champions are just one of three teams in the Premier League with a 100% record in the English top-flight this term. However, things haven’t been plain sailing for Arne Slot’s side. 

In games against Bournemouth and Newcastle, the Reds surrendered two goal leads. They managed to eke out wins to take maximum points but what should’ve been a comfortable situation turned into one they simply couldn’t control, on both occasions. 

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Liverpool needed goals in the 88th and 94th minute against the Cherries to claim a 4-2 win and had to wait until the 10th minute of stoppage time against the Magpies on Monday evening to claim the victory. These sorts of wins just aren’t sustainable. 

What has been encouraging, however, is how the attack, despite making wholesale changes this summer, is firing with Hugo Ekitike leading the way.  

Arsenal state of play

The Gunners are another of the three teams with a 100% record in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta masterminded a 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford to kick off their campaign and followed that up with a 5-0 victory against Leeds last time out. 

Arsenal are one of two teams to have kept clean sheets in both matches and, despite the injuries to a number of players, they’ve managed to navigate what could’ve been tricky fixtures. 

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Viktor Gyokeres netted twice in the win against Leeds in what will no doubt be a huge boost following his big-money move from Sporting. 

The addition of Eberechi Eze will add even more creativity to this team. They now have depth like never before and it’s why so many believe they’re the favourites to dethrone the Reds this season. 

Key talking point: Liverpool’s leaky defence

Last season, we had to wait until matchday nine for Liverpool to concede their fourth goal of the season. That arrived at the end of October in a 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates stadium. This time around, they’ve conceded four in their opening two matches. 

The Reds have gone from having one of the best defensive units in the Premier League to currently being one of the worst. They’re one of just seven teams not to have kept a clean sheet and only eight teams have a higher expected goals against total. 

READ: Using expected goals as a predictor of future performance

Slot’s side gave up three big chances against Bournemouth and two against Newcastle at St James’ Park. Even with the injuries to Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka, Arsenal are going to fancy their chances at Anfield. 

FIRST’s top tip for Liverpool vs Arsenal

Ekitike has three in three for Liverpool having netted against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield as well as scoring in wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle United. 

The Frenchman hasn’t been massively involved, with the Reds struggling to really click in attack, but he’s finding ways to make a difference. He’s not been phased so far in red and he’ll relish the battle against Gabriel and William Saliba. 

The champions have an expected goals total of 2.9 and the former Eintracht Frankfurt man is responsible for 45% of that. 

Pick: Hugo Ekitike to score anytime in the match - 19/10 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips

Ibrahima Konate has looked suspect this season, with rumours he’s off to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign. He’s an aggressive defender who will want to battle with Gyokeres, so expect a card there. 

Pick: Ibrahima Konate to be booked anytime in the match - 21/10 (Ladbrokes)

Cody Gakpo is going under the radar a little due to the expensive arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Ekitike. However, he leads the way for assists (two) and he’s joint-top with Ekitike for goal involvements. We’re backing him to add another assist to his haul. 

Pick: Cody Gakpo to get at least one assist in the match - 11/2 (Ladbrokes)

We’re also backing Arsenal to extend Liverpool’s poor defensive streak. The Gunners are priced at 17/10 to score over 1.5 goals in the game and we know they’re a huge threat from set pieces, something that is Liverpool’s kryptonite. 

Pick: Arsenal to score over 1.5 goals in the match - 17/10 (Ladbrokes)

Team news

The hosts are without Jeremie Frimpong still but Conor Bradley is back and having made a cameo appearance off of the bench against Newcastle, he should start this game which would then free up Dominik Szoboszlai to resume his position in midfield. 

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Alexis Mac Allister missed the game against the Magpies but Arne Slot had hoped he’d be fit for this top-of-the-table clash. If he is, he’ll start. 

Arsenal could be without captain Martin Odegaard for the trip to Anfield. If he can’t play, the Gunners now have Eze to call upon. Saka, Kai Havertz, Ben White, Christian Norgaard and Gabriel Jesus are all expected to miss the game on Merseyside too, severely weakening Arteta’s hand. 

Liverpool vs Arsenal predicted line-ups 

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike (4-2-3-1)

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard (4-3-3)

Form guide

Liverpool: WWWLDLDDWW

Arsenal: WDLLLDWWWW

FIRST’s recommended Premier League betting sites for Liverpool vs Arsenal

FIRST’s expert team have rallied and put together a list of sharp-shooting football bookmakers to get involved with ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal on Sunday 31 August.

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Odds correct at the time of writing.