News from Arsenal: The Gunners travel to Anfield on Sunday for a Premier League match against Liverpool that could be crucial to their title hopes
This weekend, Arsenal travel to Anfield to face Liverpool, the first test in an extremely difficult Premier League run-in. The Gunners should be firm title favourites after maintaining their eight-point lead at the top of the table, but Manchester City, who have won the last two Premier League titles, are hot on their tails.
Mikel Arteta’s side won the reverse fixture in a five-goal thriller, but they must break an 11-year Anfield record to complete the double over Liverpool. Arsenal are expected to be without William Saliba, who is still recovering from a back injury, but the Gunners come into the game having won their last seven league games.
Jurgen Klopp’s men, on the other hand, have won just one of their last four games, the polar opposite of their weekend opponents. Nonetheless, given their pedigree and ability to perform in big games at home, Arsenal will face a significant test.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has predicted the score for the Anfield clash, which includes a major title claim. “This game is a concern for Arsenal,” wrote Merson in his Sportskeeda predictions column. “Salah, Van Dijk, Robertson, and Alexander-Arnold did not play against Chelsea. Jurgen Klopp may be holding these players back for Arsenal. I’d be surprised if they didn’t participate in this game.
“Jurgen Klopp appears to prioritize the Arsenal game at home, which concerns me as an Arsenal fan. I believe Arsenal will win the Premier League if they win this game. They still have a game against an excellent Newcastle side, but if they beat Liverpool, they won’t have to beat them.
“Jurgen Klopp wants his Liverpool team to play a certain way, but his squad lacks the legs to do so right now. Not long ago, Liverpool annihilated Manchester United at Anfield. This will be a difficult game for Arsenal, and a win here would secure my Premier League title.”
Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal, according to Merson.
Ray Parlour, Merson’s former teammate, disagreed with his prediction and believes the Gunners will lose points for the first time in nearly two months.
“Another big sign that these players are the real deal and can go all the way is if Arsenal wins here.” Manchester City will begin to panic if Arsenal continues to win away from home against teams such as Liverpool.
“But it’ll be close, and I think a point would be a good result for Arsenal.” If I had to bet on it, I’d go with a 2-2 draw. Both defenses will be vulnerable due to the amount of firepower on the field. Arsenal has been excellent defensively, but I see goals in this game, so I’ll go with 2-2.”
Parlour predicts a 2-2 draw between Liverpool and Arsenal.
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