Another weekend means another important clash at the top of the Premier League table. This time, Arsenal host Liverpool, with both teams coming into this match on the back of narrow 1-0 wins in their midweek European matches.
The rivalry between these two teams has intensified as both have competed at the top in recent years. This season promises to be similar, with the league title likely going to one of these two or Manchester City. Arsenal will certainly be looking to take all three points, making full use of their home advantage, as they are currently four points behind Liverpool, who head into this weekend in first place.
Arsenal – What to expect
Arsenal suffered their first defeat of the season last week, losing in somewhat surprising fashion to Bournemouth late Saturday afternoon. Their defeat leaves only one team undefeated in the Premier League, Manchester City. Arsenal would have hoped for a slightly better start as they have won just five of their opening eight matches, although overall they will be content to be in third place at this stage. The defeat suffered last weekend ended their 16-game unbeaten run in all competitions and they will be without William Saliba for this match following his sending off against Bournemouth.
He will certainly be a big loss for the Gunners as he has played every minute in the Premier League since the start of the season. Arsenal will certainly be concerned by his absence as they are yet to keep a clean sheet against Liverpool in their last 17 consecutive head-to-heads and his absence will make their job of breaking that cycle even more difficult. Arsenal’s injury list also includes captain Martin Odegaard and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, with question marks hovering over the availability of Bukayo Saka and Jurien Timber.
Liverpool – What to expect
A Liverpool victory in this match will cement what has been an excellent start to the season and the reign of new manager Arne Slot. Few expected such a smooth transition from Jurgen Klopp to the new regime, but things could hardly have started in a more positive way. If they can secure a win on their trip to north London, they will move to 24 points and make their second-best start to any Premier League season. The midweek victory against RB Leipzig saw them win their first six competitive away games of the season for the first time in the club’s history, a very impressive feat! Arne Slot has also entered the history books as he is the first English elite coach to win 11 of his first 12 matches in charge, in all competitions. Liverpool will continue to be without Alisson in goal, but they have a more than capable deputy in Caoimhin Kelleher, who does more than enough to replace the Brazil international and will likely be a very real challenger for the number jersey 1 sooner than expected. later. Diogo Jota is also doubtful for this match and he was very important for the way Liverpool played.
Kai Havertz is another man looking to break a record. If he manages to score in this match it will be his sixth consecutive Premier League match in which he has scored and this will come against an Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry. Arsenal go into this game as favorites, although the fact that they can be backed at odds of less than 3.0 to win at the Emirates shows just how strong Liverpool are. An interesting clash that, even at this relatively early stage of the season, can have a big impact on both teams’ seasons.
The odds may have changed since this article was written and published.
