Liverpool vs Arsenal – Match Preview
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Without question the biggest fixture of this Premier League weekend takes place at Anfield and after events of the past week or so, it is fair to say that the stakes have perhaps got even higher as Liverpool prepare for the visit of Arsenal.
That’s because Liverpool now find themselves six points clear at the top of the table, with their unbeaten start to the season still intact. Now, the pressure sits with Jurgen Klopp’s men, as we ask the collective question as to whether or not they can go all the way and win the title.
And if anyone knows about winning the title while going the whole Premier League season unbeaten it is Arsenal, they are only club to achieve this feat back in 2004 under their legendary former manager Arsene Wenger.
However, things have long since changed by then with that being the last time the Gunners won the title. Not only that, but they now find themselves fighting to not play a third successive campaign of Europa League football next season.
That’s because they go into this weekend’s clash with Liverpool lying fifth in the table, two points behind their crosstown rivals Chelsea in fourth and also seven points behind that of their North London foes Tottenham in second.
Since the North London derby at the start of December - a result that saw the Gunners move up to fourth and ahead of Tottenham thanks to a 4-2 win at the Emirates, they have subsequently won two out of their last five league outings.
Defensive woes have certainly been the big issue for Unai Emery as of late, injuries and suspensions have certainly worked against him, as they have struggled to continue what was a very impressive run of form.
The 22 game unbeaten run across all competitions seems something of a distant memory now, as their issues in defence highlight the work that still needs to be done at the Emirates. For all their impressive attacking endeavour they are being let down at the other end of the pitch.
Something that Liverpool will be looking to take full advantage of on Saturday, they made light work of Newcastle on Boxing Day as they eased to a 4-0 win in front of their own fans, while there was no happy Anfield homecoming for former boss Rafa Benitez.
A score that Arsenal will know only too well after they fell by the same tally in the corresponding fixture last season. Something that Unai Emery will be mindful of and if his side defend how they did in their recent 1-1 draw against Brighton then, they could be in for similar trouble.
Liverpool will go into the game as favourites, a tag that they also now have in terms of winning this season’s Premier League outright. The margin of victory may not be as emphatic as last August, but the final outcome will be the same. One that sees Liverpool earn another all important three points.
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