Back in January 1992, 18-year-old Ray Parlour was handed his debut against the Merseyside giants, Liverpool. Although Ray gave a penalty away in a match they lost 2:0, it was the start of an illustrious career for the Romford Pele.
This Sunday, Liverpool travel to the Emirates for a top-of-the-table clash against a revitalised Arsenal side. With Liverpool leading the title race, their players will aim to give Jurgen Klopp the perfect leaving present; a second Premier League winners medal. For Arsenal, it’s a chance to make up ground after their festive season wobble. We sat down with Ray to get his thoughts on his old club’s chances this weekend.
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Premier League: Arsenal vs Liverpool
Sunday 4th February
Emirates Stadium, London
Live on Sky Sports Main Event
Arsenal vs Liverpool Preview
Arsenal Looking to Avenge FA Cup Defeat
These teams have faced off twice this season, once in the league and once in the FA Cup. Their league clash happened right before Christmas, ending in a 1-1 draw. In the FA Cup third round, Liverpool dealt a blow to their rivals, securing a 2-0 victory at the Emirates and sending Arsenal packing early from the competition. This weekend will be a great signifier of where the title might end up come the end of the season. Here’s what Ray had to say:
“Arsenal should have been three up by half time against Liverpool in the FA Cup, and if they can convert chances in the upcoming League game, Arsenal will win. I also think Arsenal will be up for avenging the FA Cup defeat and they have already beaten Man Utd and Man City at home in the Premier League and the crowd have a big part to play as well.”
Arsenal come into the game knowing that a loss leaves them eight points behind the league leaders with a small Everest to climb. Having dropped plenty of points in the run-up to Christmas, the pressure is now on. Their 2024 form needs to be flawless. They have started the New Year well, all be it (with respect) against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Their title challenge now hangs in the balance.
The setbacks against Fulham and West Ham have dealt a blow to Mikel Arteta’s team’s aspirations for the title. Despite being at the league’s summit during the Christmas period, two successive defeats to West Ham and Fulham provided an opportunity for their rivals to close the gap. Meanwhile, Liverpool have secured three consecutive victories following their 1-1 draw with Arsenal at Anfield in December.
Defences Win Titles
Liverpool’s biggest setback seems to have come off the pitch. Not many people saw Jurgen Klopp’s end-of-season departure coming. No doubt, Klopp and his side are all fired up to win as many trophies as they can before he says his goodbyes. Sadly for Klopp, his main man Mo Salah won’t be around due to a thigh injury from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, Klopp’s got some other attacking aces up his sleeve, like Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, who’ve both put away seven goals in the Premier League so far. Jota particularly seems to have stepped up in Salah’s absence.
When it comes to defence, these two squads are leading the pack in the league. Liverpool proudly hold the title for the strongest defence, letting in just 19 goals. This is in no small part to Virgil van Dijk. After a prolonged injury, the Dutchman seems to be back at the top and commanding that Liverpool back four. It’s true what they say, defences win you titles; and with this man at the helm, you are always in with a good chance.
But for all their seeming frailties, Arsenal aren’t far behind. With 21 goals conceded they find themselves second in the defensive stats. Even though Arsenal hit a bit of a rough patch after Christmas, they came back strong against Crystal Palace last week, putting five past them after their winter break. Maybe that break was just the breather Arteta’s side needed to find their groove again.
Latest Premier League Betting Odds
Manchester City are still the favourites to lift the Premier League title this season at 1.97. But Liverpool currently lead the table and sit at 3.00 to win the title. This weekend could be a massive boost for them. For Arsenal, they sit as outsiders. The Gunners are 10.00 to win their first title in twenty years. If they win this Sunday, it could be a result that sets them on the way to a New Year title charge.
For this fixture, Arsenal are slight favourites. Given the home-crowd advantage, they are 2.21 to win and claw back some ground on Liverpool. For Jurgen Klopp’s side, this could be a pivotal win. They come in outsiders at 2.95 but they will fancy themselves to cause problems in London. The draw is placed at 3.59.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Betting Tips
Ray’s Bet: Arsenal to win 2-1 @ 8.60
“Hopefully Gabriel Jesus is back fit for this game, and if Arsenal come into this on the back of a few good wins, they can beat Liverpool. I will go for a 2-1 Arsenal win.”
Bet Builder: Both teams to score, under 3.5 goals and 2.5 corners @ 4.00
In front of their home fans, Arsenal are sure to score and will also believe they could nick this one and get themselves back in the title race. There won’t be many goals but you’d think there will be corners.
Diogo Jota to score first @ 7.10
Jota has stepped up without the talismanic Mo Salah in the picture. He has bagged 8 goals in 16 games for Klopp. If Liverpool are going to score, its likely to be him.
*Odds subject to change.
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