English Premier
2009-04-21 - Liverpool vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football: England, Premier League
Tuesday 21st April 2009 - Kickoff 20:00
Liverpool will hope to bounce back for their Champions League disappointment while Arsenal could add further misery Liverpool if they could hold out Liverpool today in a crucial table at the top of the Premier League.
Liverpool will go into this crucial clash WITHOUT influential captain Steven Gerrard who is out with a groin injury. With Liverpool not playing in the weekend, Rafa Benitez’s side will definitely have most rest compared to Wenger’s side who will play their third game in seven days.
Rafa Benitez who is under pressure lately will have plenty to worry about besides Liverpool potentially walking away with yet another trophy-less season. His “disrespectful” has brought Sir Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce to voice out their opinion over the Spaniard.
Rafa is likely to start with the same lineup that played Chelsea last week. Reina will start in goal protected by Carragher, Skrtel, Arbeloa and Aurelio in defense. In midfield, the absence of Gerrard is likely to give Benayoun another run out at the starting lineup. Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano is likely to protect the defense, allowing Benayoun, Kuty and Reira to support Torres as often as possible.
On the other hand, Wenger will be without several key players. Almunia, Gallas, Djourou, Clichy and Rosicky are all currently injured while both Adebayor and Van Persie are doubtful for the clash after picking up knocks at the weekend.
Andrei Arshavin and Samir Nasri who did not start in the weekend is likely to regain their places in the starting lineup. With both forwards doubtful for Arsenal, Wenger might just have to start with Bendtner up front as a long striker.
Wenger is likely to stick to his regular 4-4-2 formation with Fabianski starting in goal protected by Kolo Toure, Mikel Silvestre, Sanga and Kieren Gibbs. Since the return of Captain Fabregas, Arsenal seem to create more opportunities.
Alexandre Song should partner Fabregas in midfield accompanied by Walcott and Nasri leaving Arshavin and Bendtner up front if both Adebayor and Van Persie fail to recover.
From a tactical point of view, Arsenal will have the edge in this, as both Liverpool fullbacks seem to prefer attacking rather than defending.
Walcott have found the net twice in his last two games and seems deadly on the right of midfield. With Arshavin always dropping to midfield and cut in from the left, Liverpool’s defense could well be exposed if both Arbeloa and Aurelio are not careful.
Key players to watch out for would definitely be Walcott who has scored two goals in his last two games while the creativity of Fabregas must not be taken lightly. On the other hand, with Gerrard missing, the extra burden will definitely be on Torres.
Betting Statistic :
Under the asian handicap line this season, Liverpool have managed to win only seven from the possible sixteen home games, losing nine. Liverpool have cleared their last three home games based on the handicap.
On the other hand, Arsenal have won eight from a possible sixteen on the road, losing seven of them and tieing one. Arsenal have also won their last three away games and they are in a good run of form of their own, undefeated in the league for the last 12 games.
The Betting Verdict:
Arsenal’s hope of winning the FA Cup faded away when a late strike from Drogba knocked them out on Saturday night.
Wenger’s side will have nothing much to play for in the EPL (other than 4th spot) but it is crucial for them to pick themselves up, regain confidence and build momentum ahead of the UEFA Champions League next week.
Therefore, I can see Wenger putting a strong squad out and the likes of Arshavin and Walcott should cause Liverpool something to worry about while the absences of Gerrard will be deeply missed.
With Liverpool giving Arsenal such a big handicap, my money has to be with Arsenal and this just could be the game that confirms Liverpool will have another trophy-less season.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
DRAW
BEST BETTING TIP :
Consider trying a draw as both these sides have drawn 3 of their last 4 games.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Bet on Arsenal and accept the 0.75 handicap start (Main Bet)
