Arsenal v Liverpool: Don’t just back both to score, do it for second half

Luis Suarez’ return to the Liverpool fold has clearly brought a far greater threat of goals, but it has also made them prone to conceding down the other end.

Few could argue about the scoring contributions of Suarez and striking partner in crime Daniel Sturridge this season, with the Uruguayan netting six in four appearances and Sturridge helping himself to eight in nine.

A change to a 3-5-2 formation has been a big factor in getting the most from this duo, but it has also made Liverpool far less stingy in defence.

Having kept three clean sheets in succession at the start of the season when starting with four at the back, Liverpool have failed to shut out the opposition once with their new look.

These factors, alongside Arsenal being the only Premier League team still to draw a blank in front of goal this season, make both teams to score the obvious bet at the Emirates.

However, the price of 11/20 on both teams scoring is unlikely to get the pulses racing.

But, taking things one step further could prove profitable, with 19/10 on offer that both teams do score, but in the second half.

This eventuality has occurred in Liverpool’s last four Premier League games, while interestingly this bet would have also copped when the Reds travelled to Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City last season, fixtures that all took place in 2013.

Arsenal’s last league game at the Emirates also saw this scenario play out, when Norwich were beaten 4-1.

In terms of match betting, this is a rare statement, but the value has to lie with Liverpool at 11/5.

Typically, Liverpool are regarded as too short for the majority of their home games, especially after failing to win five of their showdowns at Anfield last season with opposition to finish eighth on lower in the final Premier League standings.

However, with Arsenal losing their last two at home and avoiding many of the big guns in the early stages of this campaign, this should prove a true test of their credentials.

Arsenal’s odds are 6/5 to beat Liverpool, with the draw a potentially appetising price for this teatime kick-off at 12/5.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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