The last time Arsenal travelled to Anfield, they were shredded in the back. Although the Gunners got on the board first, Liverpool proceeded to pick them apart for the rest of the match with Roberto Firmino netting a hat trick, and Sadio Mane and Mo Salah both scoring goals in a 5-1 win. Arsenal are optimistic they can prevent that this time around, as they have allowed just one goal this season.
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- Liverpool vs Arsenal
- Date and Time: August 24, 2019, 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Anfield, Liverpool, England
- US Television Coverage: NBC
- Betting Line: Liverpool -1 and -1.5, O/U 3 and 3.5
Recent Form
In a surprise, this match will determine the top spot in the Premier League standings. Arsenal and Liverpool are the only two teams that have won their first two games, and the winner of this match would move two points clear of every other team in England.
Arsenal went into St. James’ Park and beat a disheveled Newcastle 1-0 in their opener with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang providing the lone goal of the game. The Gunners followed that victory up with a win over Burnley in their home opener, but it wasn’t comfortable victory. The Clarets had their chances, but Aubameyang was once again the difference maker in a 2-1 win.
The Reds missed out on a chance to win silverware at the start of the season by falling to Manchester City in penalties in the FA Community Shield, but they made amends with an even bigger trophy last week. Liverpool took down Chelsea in penalties to win the UEFA Super Cup in Istanbul.
In league play, Liverpool are off to a great start. The Reds had no problem dispatching of Norwich City in their season opener, beating the Canaries 4-1 in Anfield, and they survived a tricky road game on short rest against Southampton last weekend. Firmino and Mane scored Liverpool’s goals in a 2-1 win over the Saints.
Notable Absences
Konstantinos, Hector Bellerin, and Kieran Tierney are all going to miss at least the next two months for Arsenal due to injury, and other Gunners may not suit up for this match. Mesut Ozil and Rob Holding are both questionable, while Granit Xhaka is listed as probable.
Nathaniel Clyne will be sidelined until 2020 after tearing his ACL in the preseason, and Alisson will miss another month with a calf injury. Naby Keita has been ruled out for the foreseeable future, and there is no timetable for his return.
Arsenal Player to Watch
Aubameyang is the key to Arsenal’s hopes of picking up a result in Anfield. He finished tied for the Golden Boot last season as the top scorer in the league, and he is off to a great start this year. Arsenal won’t be able to hold Liverpool’s formidable attack at bay, so he has to get in the scoring column.
Liverpool Player to Watch
Mo Salah has been the pivot man in Liverpool’s attack under Jurgen Klopp, and he could have a virtuoso performance here. Arsenal have allowed just one goal this season, but they weren’t exactly tested by top teams, and Salah can make a somewhat iffy back line pay. Xhaka not being at 100 percent will give him plenty of room to run, and he should have a very nice stat line.
Arsenal don’t stand much of a chance. Liverpool are too strong up front and in the back, and the talent gap between these soccer teams is wide. The Gunners will be exposed in a loss.
English Premier League Prediction: Liverpool 3, Arsenal 1
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