Liverpool and Arsenal lock horns at Anfield on Wednesday night in a high-profile League Cup clash for a place in the quarter-finals of the competition. Can the Gunners get a rare win at Anfield or will the Reds inflict more misery on Unai Emery’s men? Here’s the Big Game Focus. Bet on the game here.
The Reds are heading into the tie in red-hot form. They registered an impressive comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday and sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table, six points ahead of second-placed Manchester City.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are in crisis after they let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 at home with Crystal Palace in a match filled with drama and incidents. There is no doubt that Emery needs a result at Anfield, which will be difficult considering Jurgen Klopp would want to continue with his team’s momentum. Can Emery’s men upset the league leaders?
Betting preview
Liverpool have won four of their last five matches in all competitions. The Reds have also won their last four home matches against the Gunners. Arsenal have a poor away record. They have won just once away from home in their last five matches in all competitions. You can back a Home Win at odds of 1.85.
Both teams have scored in five of their last six meetings. Liverpool have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches in all competitions. Arsenal have kept just two clean sheets away from home this season. That being so, you can back Both Teams to Score at odds of 1.45.
Four of Liverpool’s last five matches in all competitions have seen Over 2.5 Goals while three of Arsenal’s last five games have seen three goals or more. Five of the last six matches between these two rivals have seen Over 2.5 Goals. You can back Over 2.5 Goals in this game at odds of 1.50.
Team news
Virgil van Dijk suffered a dead leg on Sunday and could be rested, while Joel Matip could return from a knee injury. Xherdan Shaqiri and Nathaniel Clyne remain out.
Following Sunday’s antics, Granit Xhaka may not feature meaning Lucas Torreira should line up from the start in his place. Hector Bellerin is likely to start, but Keiran Tierney could be rested as he’s still finding his way back to full fitness. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka are likely to start for the Gunners.
Possible line-ups
Liverpool: Kelleher, Hoever, Gomez, Lovren, Milner, Keita, Fabinho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Origi, Firmino, Brewster.
Arsenal: Martinez, Bellerin, Holding, Chambers, Kolasinac, Torreira, Guendouzi, Saka, Ozil, Lacazette, Martinelli.