The Premier League leaders Arsenal host champions Liverpool at the Emirates as they look to take another step towards their first title in 22 years.
The festive period was extremely fruitful for the Gunners who have now opened up a six-point lead at the top from Manchester City and Aston Villa. Their big win over the Villans was followed by a comeback victory at Bournemouth and leaves Mikel Arteta's side in a fantastic position.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are a shadow of the side that won the league, as proved by their two most recent results. A stalemate with Leeds preceded a chaotic 2-2 draw at Fulham where the Reds thought they had won late on only to be denied a vital three points in stunning style.
Will Arsenal march on or will Liverpool do the double over them? AllSportsPeople brings you our complete football betting preview.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Preview: Who Will Win Today?
Liverpool's 1-0 win over Arsenal back in August feels like it happened in a different season at this point and we don't expect a repeat.
It is the only game the Gunners have failed to score in all season and they have dropped just two points at home. With the side full of goals and players returning to fitness and form, they should have far too much for Arne Slot's struggling side.
Score Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (7.51 with Dafabet)
Head-to-Head: Arsenal vs. Liverpool
- The two giants have played on a mammoth 215 occasions with Liverpool shading the wins 81 to 73.
- In the Premier League era, Liverpool are level with Man United for the most wins over Arsenal (26).
- The Gunners have not kept a clean sheet in their last 20 league games against the Reds.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool: Form Guide
Arsenal – Last 5 matches (All competitions)
- Bournemouth 2-3 Arsenal (Premier League)
- Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
- Arsenal 2-1 Brighton (Premier League)
- Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace (8-7 on pens) (League Cup)
- Everton 0-1 Arsenal (Premier League)
Liverpool – Last 5 matches (All competitions)
- Fulham 2-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
- Liverpool 0-0 Leeds (Premier League)
- Liverpool 2-1 Wolves (Premier League)
- Spurs 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
- Liverpool 2-0 Brighton (Premier League)
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Betting Tips
Arsenal have kept just one clean sheet in their last six league games but with their key defenders back and Liverpool missing Mohamed Salah and Alexander Isak, we are backing the Gunners to keep out the Reds for the first time since 2015.
Our second tip is for Conor Bradley to be booked. The young full-back has been given five yellow cards in just 14 league games this season and is likely to have his hands full at the Emirates.
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Arsenal vs. Liverpool Team News
Arsenal Team News
- Mikel Arteta's injury woes have lessened with only Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and youngster Max Dowman on the sidelines.
- The two defenders are expected to be back soon but Piero Hincapie will continue at left back.
- Expect Bukayo Saka to return in place of Noni Madueke on the Arsenal right.
Liverpool Team News
- The big worry for Liverpool is the fitness of Hugo Ekitike, who sat out the draw at Fulham with a hamstring issue.
- He should be fit to start and is needed with Alexander Isak injured and Mohamed Salah still at the Africa Cup of Nations.
- Slot's big selection dilemma is likely to be which of Ekitike, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to leave out assuming he will continue to pack his side with midfield players.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Lineups: Predicted Starting XI’s
This is how we think the two teams will line up at the Emirates with Bukayo Saka coming in for Arsenal and Hugo Ekitike replacing Florian Wirtz in the Liverpool lineup.
Arsenal predicted lineup to play Liverpool
Raya (GK) – Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Hincapie – Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard – Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
- Out: Calafiori, Mosquera, Dowman
- Doubtful: N/A
- Suspension: N/A
Liverpool predicted lineup to play Arsenal
Alisson (GK) – Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez – Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister – Szoboszlai, Ekitike, Gakpo
- Out: Isak, Leoni, Endo, Salah (AFCON)
- Doubtful: Ekitike
- Suspension: N/A
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Odds: Who is the favourite to win?
- Arsenal to win: 1.58 with Dafabet
- Liverpool to win: 6.15
- Draw: 4.16
Arsenal vs. Liverpool TV Channel, Live Stream
- Date: Friday, January 9
- Venue: The Emirates, London
- Time: 1:30 a.m IST
- TV/Stream: JioHotstar