Liverpool v Arsenal: More Anfield frustration for draw specialist Reds
Published:Liverpool return to Anfield armed with their first piece of silverware in six years hoping to carry their cup form into the league by beating Arsenal at 21/20.
Arsenal themselves will be buoyed by their result of the previous weekend, having come from two goals down to beat bitter rivals Tottenham 5-2, and they are 13/5 to make it back-to-back league wins here.
It is worth noting however, that Liverpool remain unbeaten at home this season, and this, along with the fact that they have drawn two thirds of their Anfield fixtures, makes the 23/10 for a draw look a great bet.
Further lending weight to this claim is the fact that the sides have played out stalemates in eight of their past 15 meetings, and as seven of those draws have ended with a 1-1 scoreline, many will be tempted to back another repeat of that outcome at 5/1.
While scoring many on the road, the fragility of Arsenal’s backline has been clear for everyone to see and some may opt to back a 2-2 scoreline instead at a lengthy 14/1.
More cautious punters can simply back both teams to score in the game at 4/6, but the 9/4 for the net to bulge three or more times in the match with Arsenal winning or drawing, may interest many also.
Despite Liverpool’s sturdy defensive record, particularly at home, the likes of the mercurial Robin Van Persie and electric Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should ensure that there are goals aplenty, and Van Persie is big at 9/2 for the first goal considering he has 23 league strikes to his name already this season.
Luis Suarez will pose a threat at 5/1 for the opener, while Steven Gerrard, penalty taker and set-piece specialist, looks long at 7/1 to break the deadlock for the Reds.
