Liverpool might be eight points clear of the Gunners in the Premier League, although the bookmakers are still happy to lay them at 11/5 for Sunday’s showdown. Paddy Power, bet365 and Blue Square all offer this stand-out price about the Reds, despite their away record of six wins and a draw from eight matches on the road.
Perhaps it’s because Arsenal seem to be reserving their best performances for fellow members of the ‘Big Four’ this season. They have beaten Manchester United and Chelsea to ensure that they are just about still in the title race, and they are 7/5 (Boylesports) to turn on the style against their Merseyside opponents. If you think that lightning will strike for a third time, its 9/1 (Sportingbet) that Wenger’s team win by a 2-1 scoreline.
Nevertheless, the North London side have not been unlucky to lose five league matches already this season. Once again, they are not watertight from a defensive point-of-view, although Adebayor (6/1 Boylesports) and Van Persie (6/1 Stan James) are possibly the most talented strike pairing in the division. Will the visitors be content to take a point from this match, knowing that they still have the Gunners and Chelsea to visit Anfield in the New Year? Bet direct go 9/4 that this match ends all square, as both league games did last season.
Liverpool have only lost one match on the road all season, losing 2-1 at Tottenham after being in front for most of the match. It’s a 28/1 chance (Victor Chandler) that Arsenal win the match after trailing at half-time, although a more sensible bet is Pool on the Draw No Bet market at 6/5 (bet365). It’s key for the league leaders not to lose this match, and that could lead to a cagey affair of few chances. Without Fernando Torres, the Reds lack a cutting edge and No Goalscorer could be worth a small stakes bet at 17/2 (Sporting Bet).