English Premier
2012-09-02 - Liverpool vs Arsenal
A Sports Betting Pick by Lamps
Football : England : Premier League
Sunday 2nd September - Kickoff 1:30pm
Liverpool
Liverpool currently occupy 16th place and have not made the start that Rodgers would have liked. They did look better last weekend but the games don't get easier and hosting Arsenal is a tricky game this weekend for the Reds.
Since losing 3-0 at West Brom on opening day Liverpool are unbeaten in 3 including all competitions. The negative is that they have won just once and that was a very undeserved win away to Hearts in the Europa League.
Last weekend Liverpool were brilliant against City leading twice only to gift City 2 games and the game ended 2-2. Unfortunately they couldn't replicate the good stuff against Hearts midweek drawing 1-1 with the Scottish side at Anfield. Often sides ring the changes for these games but Rodgers went with a very strong side midweek which is a worry. I'm just hoping that these "bigger" games like Arsenal at home will bring the best out of this side.
Bar the 1-0 win at Hearts, Liverpool have yet to keep a clean sheet this season including none in their 2 league games. It's hard to judge this back line, it looks good on paper but if they continue to make poor errors like against City they will struggle to win games. Arsenal are a very good attacking side and when they click they can score buckets so this back line can't afford any mistakes on Sunday.
Arsenal
The Gunners have not started well without RVP. In the 2 games they have played in his absesne they have yet to find the back of the net in 2 0-0's. The 2 points from 6 is good enough to place them in 12th and it's strange to see 4 league games between Arsenal and Liverpool and neither has won a game.
The 0-0 at home to Sunderland was a little unfortunate. Carzola was pulling the strings and half chance after half chance was wasted with Giroud in particular missing the chance of the game. Up against Stoke, Arsenal were the better side once more but once again no clear cut chances were created all half chances and they will need to step it up on Sunday.
The Gunners were good on the road last year winning 9 of their 19 games including a 2-1 win at Anfield. 67 goals were scored in these games and that's at an average of 3.50 a game! With Liverpool handing out goals to sides at the moment I think we could see a few in Sunday's game.
Betting Verdict
Liverpool are as short as evens to win on Sunday which is a terrible price. Arsenal have won 2 of the last 3 here and seem to play well at Anfield. The price looks to be based on Liverpool's performance against City where as mentioned above bar the defensive errors they played really well. Also Arsenal haven't scored a goal yet but I think that changes on Sunday.
Arsenal not to lose is a cracking price but without Van Persie I'd rather avoid this bet on Sunday. Van Persie scored both of Arsenal's goals in the 2-1 win here last year and until Podolski and co can be trusted I will stick with a goals bet here.
In the last 6 at Anfield both sides have scored and I see no change here. Arsenal scoring 0 in 2 isn't a worry, Liverpool's defence isn't great at the moment and I think Wenger's men will definitely get 1 at Anfield.
Liverpool looked very good against City and I can't see them not getting chances against a back line that includes Jenkinson and Mertesacker. There is also doubts over the Arsenal keeper and given the Reds are at home I think they take might just edge this in a 3/4 goal thriller.
Good Luck
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
