Arsenal were recently bounced from this year’s Champions League, but they’re right on course for a qualifying spot in next year’s tournament. The Gunners have been on a terrific run in the Premier League, which has solidified their spot in the top four.
On the other hand, Liverpool’s similarly impressive run came to a crashing halt after a tough home loss to Manchester United. With five points to make up, the fifth-placed Reds are in desperate need of all three points at the Emirates to crash those all-important Champions League places. Which Premier League powerhouse will come out on top? Read on for our preview of this crucial top five clash.
In-form Manchester United will look to solidify their hold on fourth as they play Aston Villa. Check out our preview of that match here.
[sc:Soccer ]Arsenal vs. Liverpool Preview
Where: Emirates Stadium, London
When: Saturday, April 4, 8:45 AM ET
Line: Liverpool at Arsenal – view all EPL lines
What’s at Stake
[sc:Soccer240banner ]Arsenal are currently third in the table, but they’re in a quite precarious position. A win would see them go into second place until Manchester City play on Monday. But a loss could see them fall to fourth with Manchester United set to play later in the day.
Liverpool also have a lot on the line. With their loss to United, they’re now five points behind in the race for the fourth and final Champions League place with just eight games remaining. Another loss could possibly see them drop out of the race completely.
Betting on Arsenal
Despite a valiant but ultimately futile 2-0 away win in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Monaco, Arsenal are now out of Europe this season. But on the bright side, the Gunners can now focus fully on their league form, which has been outstanding.
With Liverpool’s recent loss, Arsenal are now the form team in the Premier League. Since their 2-1 derby loss to Tottenham on Feb. 7, the Gunners have reeled off six wins in a row. They recovered from their Champions League defeat to beat Newcastle 2-1 in the last matchday. Olivier Giroud fired in both goals to keep his very impressive run going. The French forward has scored six goals in six matches this March.
With Giroud, Alexis Sanchez (13 goals) and Santi Cazorla, Arsenal definitely have the firepower to get after Liverpool’s back three. Arsenal have been particularly prolific at home, where they’ve scored at least two goals in each of their last seven games. They’ve scored 33 goals in 14 home games thus far, tied for most in the league with Manchester United, who’ve played one home game more.
The Gunners’ defense has also been surprisingly terrific at the Emirates. They have the third-best home defensive record with just 11 home goals allowed all season. Moreover, they’ve conceded only once in the last five games at home.
Unsung hero Francis Coquelin has made Arsenal much more solid in midfield. He’ll be crucial once again in preventing Liverpool’s dangerous attacking midfielders from finding spaces around Arsenal’s defense.
Betting on Liverpool
Liverpool turned in a very languid display in a disappointing 2-1 home loss to bitter rivals Manchester United last time out. The loss snapped the Reds’ five-match winning streak and 14-match unbeaten run in the league, which also began after they lost 3-0 to United in December.
Liverpool were basically dominated in midfield, where the United trio of Michael Carrick, Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini ran the show. Liverpool just couldn’t deal with Fellaini’s physicality and aerial prowess in particular.
The Reds will be without suspended captain Steven Gerrard after his silly red card against United, but the Liverpool midfield should do much better against Arsenal. The Gunners still get disjointed at times in the midfield area by committing too many players forward. They also don’t have that dominating physical presence to terrorize Liverpool’s defense in the same way Fellaini did.
However, that Liverpool backline will likely be without its central cog, Martin Skrtel after his rash challenge on United defender David de Gea. Skrtel’s absence could have a big impact on Liverpool’s excellent defense which has kept six consecutive clean sheets away from home. Liverpool will also lose the threat of Skrtel’s heading ability in set pieces. Skrtel was the one who headed home the late equalizer in their 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield on Dec. 21.
Daniel Sturridge has scored in two of his last three league games, but Liverpool’s attack has not looked as fluid with him playing as the lone striker. Manager Brendan Rodgers will have some tweaking to do with his system to breach the stingy Arsenal backline. Liverpool have scored just 19 goals in 14 away games this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Arsenal holds off a spirited effort from Liverpool and eke out a gritty 1-0 win. Create a betting account now and add to the excitement and drama that only the English Premier League can bring.
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