By LadyD
Liverpool take on high flying Arsenal at the Emirates in the standout match of the weekend.
With 21 points from a possible 24 Arsenal have seen their best start to a campaign since the 04/05 season. Whereas Liverpool find themselves 9th in the table with just 10 points. The change in form see's Arsenal start this match up as favourites for the first time since 2017.
Arsenal games have averaged 3.5 goals per game, with Liverpool averaging a similar 3.85. We can expect to see more of the same, with both over 2.5 goals and a goal in both halves being stand out bets for me. Of the 21 combined games these two have played this season, only two have failed to see goals scored in both halves.
Over 2.5 Goals: (4/7) 1PT
A goal scored in both halves: (1/2) 2PT
This game may well be decided by the two in-form number nines in Jesus and Firmino. In what has been an underwhelming start from Liverpool this year, Firmino has been the shining light. With an average of 3.79 shots per game (2.52 on target) Firmino will be looking to build upon his five Premier League goals so far this season. Subject to any strange Klopp rotations, I expect him to play a key role if Liverpool are to get anything from this game. Similarly Jesus has started the campaign in great fashion with five goals from the opening eight games. He averages 3.69 shots per game (1.71 on target) and will want to continue in the same way. In what will be an open game at the back I like the following bets:
Firmino 2+ Shots on Target: (2/1) 0.5PT
Jesus 3+ Shots (8/11) 1PT
With recent history favouring Liverpool in this fixture (Arsenal winning 1 of the last 14 Premier League head to heads), I still expect Arsenal to maintain their strong start, and take at least a point away from today. Of the eight matches Arsenal have played this season, they have been leading the XG numbers in all of them (matched only by Man City), highlighting that they were unfortunate to lose to United. Which is why Arsenal Draw No Bet stands out at 10/11.
Arsenal Draw No Bet (10/11) 1PT
Below are some key stats from this season which may help with your own bets:
Arsenal average 1.875 cards a game
Liverpool average 0.75 cards
Salah has averaged 3.04 shots per game (0.96 on target)
Odegaard has averaged 2.52 shots per game (0.94 on target)
Over 2.5 goals in 7 out of 8 Arsenal games
Over 2.5 goals in 5 out of 7 Liverpool games
Comments