Liverpool vs Arsenal tips and predictions: Reds and Gunners to serve up Christmas cracker at Anfield

Liverpool’s only defeat in 17 Premier League matches was a valiant effort. Nine men came within seconds of holding Tottenham to a 1-1 draw before Joel Matip’s heartbreaking own goal.

Still, they remain unbeaten on home soil and fortress Anfield was rocking on Wednesday as the Reds flattened a hapless West Ham side, thundering in five goals.

It was a timely return to form after the drab showing against rivals Manchester United. The furore around that particular occasion got to the players, but it was still a game they should have won.

Arsenal have suffered two defeats so far this season and not only did they both come away from home, there was an air of predictability about each.

Newcastle and Aston Villa managed a 1-0 win amid an otherwise perfect run of six wins in the Gunners' last eight.

 

 

Mikel Arteta’s side delivered an emphatic response of their own last weekend, as they left Brighton chasing shadows in a 2-0 win at the Emirates.

Although they’re more battle-hardened on the road than pre-Arteta, Arsenal are still vulnerable against top sides. They’ve lost to each of the current top eight since November 2021.

In contrast, Jurgen Klopp’s team has defeated six of the current top eight teams at Anfield in the past 12 months, except Arsenal, with whom they drew 2-2.

The Reds may feel as if they still have questions to answer after last weekend’s slip-up, and it’s hard to trust Arsenal’s defence given their record away to top teams.

There have been over 2.5 goals in the last 10 meetings at Anfield and few sides produce more corners, with the hosts averaging 8.13 and the visitors 7.75.

 

 

Team news

Joel Matip, Thiago Alcantara, Diogo Jota, Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Stefan Bajcetic are unavailable.

Ryan Gravenberch was rested midweek but Curtis Jones could partner Dominik Szoboszlai after his performance against West Ham.

Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz will return to the starting lineup to partner Darwin Nunez in attack.

Fabio Viera, Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jorginho are set to miss out, but Mohamed Elneny may make the bench.

The dangerous trio of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Gabiel Martinelli are expected to start for the visitors.

 

Key stats

-  There have been over 2.5 goals in the last 10 Premier League meetings at Anfield
-  Liverpool have averaged 3.6 goals per game across those 10 meetings
-  Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored in 23 of 27 away games

 

Suggested bets

Both teams to score

Over 11.5 corners

Liverpool to win

Over 2.5 goals