It’s back! 91 days after the last ball was kicked, the Premier League returns to our screens this weekend and the opening round of games features an absolute cracker in Arsenal vs. Liverpool. The Gunners’ faithful will be looking for a home win, available at 27/20 to appease them after a summer that’s reminiscent of Groundhog Day. The Reds meanwhile have had their first full pre-season under Jurgen Klopp and are priced at 41/20 to head back to the North West with three points.
The second place finish last season will likely disappoint Arsenal fans and masks clear deficiencies in their plan. They were top at Christmas, but the now traditional mid-season slump, followed by a late surge in form saw them finish as runners-up. Arsene Wenger has had unprecedented success in ensuring that Arsenal finish in the top 4, they’re 20/43 to finish there again, but this season could be the biggest challenge in them doing so. Wenger’s contract situation will no doubt rumble on again this season, but of more pressing concern is who might take to the field at the weekend. There’s already a defensive injury crisis, with newcomer Rob Holding expected to start alongside Callum Chambers in the heart of the defence. Petr Cech is a reliable ‘keeper, but he’s priced at 11/5 to keep a clean sheet. At the other end of the field is the much maligned Olivier Giroud, but he has a good record against Liverpool, having scored four in his last four games against the Reds. He’s the favourite to score anytime at 7/5.
Liverpool finished eighth in the table last season, but did reach two cup finals. They’ll be expected to push on and progress this season and with no European football, they’re well priced at 13/10 to finish in the top 4. Liverpool’s striking options are interesting; with no clear number one striker in the squad. Divock Origi was selected for some of the more important games last season and was prolific in pre-season. He’s backed at 7/1 to score first, whilst English international Daniel Sturridge faces an important season. He’s not a typical Klopp player, but has shown how good he is in front of goal in the past and is priced at 19/10 to score on Sunday afternoon. Christian Benteke looks unlikely to play for Liverpool again.
Match Prediction
With it being the opening weekend of the season, we can only assess pre-season form. However, pre-season counts for little once the season begins. Arsenal have a good record against Liverpool in the Premier League, losing just once in their last nine encounters. This coincides with a dreadful away record for Liverpool in North London, having only won once in their last 20 away trips. Both sides have defensive frailties and this game could promise goals. Odds on the game having over 3.5 goals are priced at 2/1, whilst a score prediction of 2-2 is available at 12/1.
