Arsenal travel to the north-west to take on Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday evening, and predictions have been made ahead of the clash.
The Gunners head into the encounter with maximum points, having beaten both Manchester United and Leeds in their opening two fixtures.
Mikel Arteta’s team thrashed Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates, in what was a glorious afternoon for the North London club’s fans, celebrating this resounding victory alongside the signing of Eberechi Eze.
Liverpool will represent a very different challenge to what Leeds were able to offer, and the Gunners will have to be at their absolute best to come away from Anfield with even a single point.
Paul Merson makes Liverpool vs Arsenal prediction
Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka for the trip to Anfield, after the England international suffered a hamstring injury against Daniel Farke’s team last time out.
The Gunners may also be without Martin Odegaard, who was forced off in the same game with a shoulder issue.
Kai Havertz will also miss the showdown with Arne Slot’s side, while the likes of Ben White and Christian Norgaard could also still be absent.
Aside from these absentees, Arteta will have the entirety of his squad to pick from, and Paul Merson believes the Gunners will come away with a draw.
“What a huge football match this is before the international break,” Merson wrote for Sportskeeda.
“Bukayo Saka is definitely out, and we’re waiting to find out if Martin Odegaard plays. Arsenal need to come out of this trip to Anfield with at least a draw. If they lose, Liverpool have a massive advantage because of the fixtures they have played till now.
“I always go with the comparison of the fixtures teams have played and the points they get from it. Even if Liverpool weren’t at their best away from home to Newcastle, they still got three points. I don’t expect Arsenal to do the same thing if they were in that situation!
“Good teams win even when they don’t play well, and Liverpool certainly did that against Newcastle. If Arsenal play like they did against Manchester United, they have no chance, and they will get blown away at Anfield. I don’t think Arsenal will be that poor though.
“Eberechi Eze should start this game, and he’s a top player. Sometimes, when Liverpool go attack, attack, attack, it can be relentless for their opponents. That’s where you need players like Eze to keep hold of the ball. So if they play like they did at Old Trafford, this game will be over by half-time!
“I’d be happy with 1-1 if I’m Arsenal. But for some reason, my head still says Liverpool. I’m going to listen to my heart here and go with 1-1!”
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal
Chris Sutton has also predicted the result of Manchester United vs Arsenal
While Arsenal have injury problems to contend with, so do Liverpool.
Jeremie Frimpong will miss the clash at Anfield due to a thigh problem, while Alexis Mac Allister is a doubt.
Chris Sutton is more optimistic than Merson about Arsenal’s chances due to these injuries and due to some of Liverpool’s defensive issues in recent matches.
“My worry with Liverpool is exactly what Arne Slot talked about in pre-season,” he wrote for BBC Sport. “They’re too defensively vulnerable.
“They’ve already conceded four goals. Ibrahima Konate looks shot to pieces and has been all over the place in the last two games. He’s been a great player in the past for Liverpool, but right now he looks like a triallist.
“If you’re a Liverpool fan I guess the good thing is your side are still getting results. But if you want to win league titles you’ve got to be watertight and strong at the back, and I’m not so sure Liverpool are.
“Liverpool got bullied by Newcastle. There’s no reason why Arsenal can’t bully them too. I’ve just got a sneaky feeling that Arsenal, bolstered by new signing Eberechi Eze, will exploit them.”
Score Prediction: Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
The outcome of the game at Anfield will no doubt have significant ramifications on the title race, and Arteta will hope his side are on the right side of the result.
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