Arsenal vs. Liverpool Preview
Where: Emirates Stadium – London, England
When: Sunday, August 14, 11:00 AM ET
Line: Arsenal +117 vs. Liverpool +206, tie +210; total 2.5 – view all EPL soccer lines
TV Broadcast: NBCSN
Writer’s Pick: Liverpool
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Offensive Edge – Liverpool (+206)
Alexis Sanchez (13 goals in 2015-16) and Aaron Ramsey both featured in Arsenal’s 3-2 preseason win over Manchester City, though, and will likely lead the Gunners’ short-handed attack. Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla should also feature prominently in a front four that is still good, but far from great.
Don’t underestimate Arsenal’s ability to get a result at home against Liverpool, though. Arsenal have failed to score just twice in their last 19 home games against Liverpool, with just one loss.
Liverpool, in contrast, should have their full complement of attacking weapons to choose from. Manager Jurgen Klopp will have the rare privilege of having injury-plagued star striker Daniel Sturridge healthy to start the season. Sturridge scored eight goals in just 14 appearances (11 starts) for Liverpool last season.
Liverpool love to press from the front, and should be better at it with a full offseason under Klopp. With Arsenal’s current injury crisis at the back, the Liverpool forwards will turn on the pressure on the stand-in Arsenal defenders and can turn any mistakes into key scoring opportunities.
Defensive Edge – Liverpool (+206)
The Gunners will also have to make do without some key absentees at the back. Their first choice central defensive partnership of Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker will be unavailable against Liverpool. Gabriel is also out for a couple of months after injuring his ankle against Man City.
Calum Chambers can be a capable stand-in at center-back, but his partner – whether it’s inexperienced 20-year-old Rob Holding, defensive midfielder Francis Coquelin, or someone else – will be a significant liability either way.
Granit Xhaka is a very good holding midfielder, but it’s doubtful whether his presence can be enough to offset the Gunners’ potential problems at the back, and in his Premier League debut no less.
Liverpool’s backline, in comparison, will be a bit more stable. Three of Klopp’s expected back four – Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, Alberto Moreno – were regular starters last season. The lone change, summer acquisition Ragnar Klavan, has impressed during preseason at the heart of that defense.
The midfield should also provide sufficient protection to the defense, whichever pairing Klopp picks out of the trio of Jordan Henderson, Emre Can, and new signing Georginio Wijnaldum.
Writer’s Prediction: If there was ever a time for Liverpool to get an away win against Arsenal, it’s now. Liverpool (+206) make the most of their chance, as they escape the Emirates with a 2-1 win.
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