After a blistering start to the season, Arsenal will be eager to keep building momentum when they welcome Liverpool to the Emirates in the EPL on Sunday.
Arteta’s Arsenal looks like a new team
Mikel Arteta’s charges produced a swashbuckling performance in their 3-1 victory over north London rivals Tottenham last weekend to stay top of the table, while Liverpool’s faltering form continued when they were held to a 3-3 draw at home to Brighton.
This is one of the most storied and combustible fixtures in EPL history, and there are a few eye-catching stats about both these teams that are worth keeping in mind:
- Arsenal are winless in their past five meetings with Liverpool in all competitions. Their last victory over the Reds in the league came back in July 2020.
- Roberto Firmino relishes facing the Gunners, having netted nine times against them in the EPL, more than any other opponent.
- Arsenal have averaged 2.29 xGF (expected goals for) per game in front of their home fans since the start of last season.
- Liverpool have only kept two clean sheets this term, but more worryingly, they have conceded the first goal in nine of their past 11 EPL outings.
While Liverpool has had a hold over Arsenal in recent years, perhaps the tide could turn. There is certainly a feel-good factor reverberating around the red half of north London, but will Liverpool spoil the party? As always, the most reputable US online sports betting sites will be swarming with lines for this match. We have delved into the markets and handpicked a few tips for you to savor before kick-off.
Arsenal to continue to make strides
If you’re an Arsenal fan, these are certainly heady heights. If we contrast where they were at this stage last season, it is a world away from the misery they experienced 12 months ago. They have been imperious in attack and while they have been bereft of Emile Smith-Rowe’s services through injury, they have come flying out of the traps in games and they have been playing with real verve. Arteta’s men might be on an unenviable run of 13 consecutive EPL matches without a clean sheet against Liverpool, but usually, they have been too passive against the Merseyside outfit.
Something seems to have clicked this season and there is a palpable air of unity and confidence about this Gunners squad which has been missing in recent years. Despite the solitary EPL defeat against Manchester United to date, Arsenal have looked ominous, and they have become much tougher to break down. Liverpool, in the meantime, have given themselves a mountain to climb in games, with Brighton being a prime example. Although there was purpose and passion in their 2-0 win over Rangers in the Champions League in midweek, they could come unstuck against Arsenal.
If you like the look of the Moneyline, then the Gunners are trading at +150 with BetMGM to come away with the win which may not be so fanciful.
Gabriel Jesus to leave his mark
If there was one area that the Gunners need to strengthen over the summer, then it was in attack. And the arrival of Gabriel Jesus has already paid dividends. The Brazilian striker has provided a focal point up front. While he was largely overlooked by Pep Guardiola, Arteta has extracted the best out of Jesus. To date, Jesus has netted five times in the EPL in eight starts, but he’s more than just a talisman. He can bring players into the game with his sharp movement, and he’s also weighed in with three assists.
Liverpool, in the meantime, have looked porous at the back, and Jesus will be ready to capitalize on any lapse in concentration. Jesus gives Arsenal a different dimension and he’s a constant menace. He could run Liverpool ragged and he will certainly be involved in the game. For those that are into the Goalscorer Markets, then FanDuel is pricing Jesus at +165 to score anytime which could be worth investigating further.
Granit Xhaka to go into the referee’s book
Granit Xhaka is never afraid to shirk a challenge and at the best of times, he’s a bit clumsy. The Swiss midfielder is renowned for his reckless tackles and more often than not, he finds his way into the referee’s book. This season, Xhaka has been cautioned just twice which is already a marked improvement on last term when he was booked on 10 occasions, and he was sent off once. Although he likes to walk a tightrope, Xhaka is unlikely to go the entire game unpunished. Xhaka is at a short-looking +135 with FanDuel to be booked.
Whereas, if you prefer to take an overall picture of the cards market, then you can get odds of +250 for there to be Under 2.5 yellow cards with Unibet. The past three EPL clashes have produced two yellow cards or less, so this may suggest the official might try and keep his cards in his pocket once again.
