Why Liverpool and Arsenal could play out another draw
Neither side are yet firing on all cylinders in the Premier League and a sharing of the spoils at Anfield on Sunday looks the best option.
Four games, three points, two goals – it hasn’t really gone to plan for Liverpool and Arsenal so far, has it?
After a summer that has been defined by upheaval at both clubs, it is perhaps not surprising that these old foes have started slowly,
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Reds boss Brendan Rodgers warned this week that it will take a couple of transfer windows to get the squad as he wants it, but that won’t stop expectations and Rodgers needs more performances like the 2-2 draw with Manchester City rather than the 3-0 defeat at West Brom on the opening day.
It is all too easy to link the sale of Robin van Persie with the fact Arsenal are yet to score a goal this season, yet that is exactly what I am going to do. Cutting edge has been lacking, which is partly explained by the integration of new players Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla, and although the latter looks like he is going to be a fine acquisition, the squad lacks depth in the attacking third, especially with Maroune Chamakh just an injury here and a suspension there away from being called upon.
| Champions League | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dortmund | 1-2 | Bayern Munich | £155.00 | (27/4) |
| Dortmund | 0-1 | Bayern Munich | £160.00 | (7/1) |
| Dortmund | 0-2 | Bayern Munich | £175.00 | (31/4) |
| Dortmund win | £86.60 | (333/100) | ||
| Draw | £84.00 | (16/5) | ||
| Bayern Munich win | £33.40 | (67/100) | ||
Arsenal may not have scored yet, but they certainly will on Sunday if Liverpool continue to defend like they have done so far: five goals conceded in two games, most of which were highly avoidable individual mistakes, doesn’t give you faith in a clean sheet for the hosts.
The meeting of the two sides at Anfield on Sunday is the most interesting match of the weekend, and the prices quoted are interesting as well. Liverpool are even money favourites, with the draw at 12/5 and Arsenal priced at 13/5, and the immediate reaction is that Liverpool are too short here.
Their home games have been very encouraging so far and the Reds were the better side against the champions last time out, but I would want a bigger price before backing them against the visitors for several reasons.
Arsenal may not have scored yet, but they certainly will on Sunday if Liverpool continue to defend like they have done so far: five goals conceded in two games, most of which were highly avoidable individual mistakes, doesn’t give you faith in a clean sheet for the hosts.
Clean sheets are what the Gunners seem to specialise in these days and two 0-0 draws will have at least pleased Steve Bould, Arsene Wenger’s new assistant, whose legendary status as a title-winning centre-half for the club is clearly having some effect.
The Gunners have a great recent record at Anfield and have only lost two of the last nine visits in all competitions, and none in the Premier League since 2007.
But Wenger’s side still look a bit flat from a disjointed summer and are still trying to find their feet with new players, so I wouldn’t be going all in for Arsenal despite the tempting price. Instead, the draw at 12/5 looks the most sensible play as two teams in various degrees of transition aren’t quite as settled as they would like.
As an outside punt, have a look at the 21/4 on the match finishing 1-1. Both teams have scored in 13 of the last 15 meetings, six of which have finished 1-1.
Recommended bet: Liverpool and Arsenal to draw @ 12/5
Outside punt: Liverpool and Arsenal to draw 1-1 @ 21/4
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