Liverpool will count themselves very unlucky that they were on the end of a 3-0 defeat at Old Trafford last week. They created a plethora of chances only to spurn each one of them, which were punished by a ruthless Manchester United side, helped on their way by some calamitous Liverpool defending. They restored some pride by recording a 3-1 win away to Bournemouth in the League Cup quarter final – their first win in four games. They head into another vital match with Arsenal on Sunday sitting in the bottom half of the table, which is incredible for a side who were so close to winning the league last season.
It’s now five wins in their last six for Arsenal; a run which has seen them qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League move to within touching distance of the top four. The one blip in that run was of course the humbling 3-2 defeat away to Stoke – a match which they were 3-0 behind in. Although some fans vented their anger at the team and Arsene Wenger, there’s no doubt that the Gunners are finding some consistency, and they’re looking a lot more threatening going forward, illustrated by the 14 goals they’ve scored in that run of six games. They visit a ground where they were humbled 5-1 last season so there will be extra motivation to get a result and propel them closer to the Champions League places.
After missing a hatful of chances against United on Sunday, Raheem Sterling notched two in the win over Bournemouth giving him his first goals since being deployed as an emergency striker. His ability to find space in the box – allied with his frightening pace – makes him a huge threat for opposition defences and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping he can add some composure to his game as he looks for someone to step up and replace some of the goals lost by the sale of Luis Suarez.
Since Oliver Giroud returned from his leg break, Arsenal have looked more dangerous. Although Danny Welbeck has provided a much need alternative to the attack, it’s the Frenchman’s ability to be a focal point and bring the attacking midfielders into play which has benefited Arsenal’s style of play over the last month. If Arsenal can integrate Giroud, Welbeck and Alexis Sanchez in a forward line it will be a hugely attractive proposition for all their fans.
These games are very rarely dull and I fully expect Sunday’s match to produce plenty of excitement and entertainment, again. Liverpool seemed to have found a system in the 3-4-3 which has seen them return to something like their attacking capability they displayed last season but it does leave them open at the back. Arsenal have definitely looked more potent going forward in recent weeks but they too struggle to keep a clean sheet and are1 very susceptible to pace on the counter and it should lead to at least three goals in the game, so take the overs.
Over 2.5 goals 31/40 @ Betvictor
