Liverpool and Arsenal to serve up another classic
Reigning champions Liverpool welcome Arsenal to an empty Anfield on Monday night, a game brought forward by quarter of an hour so many more eyes can be watching the clash from a safe distance. It promises to be yet another entry in the burgeoning history book of classics between the two red giants. Read our preview here:
The defence of Liverpool's crown will continue in earnest
Jürgen Klopp's irresistible side will be defending an unbeaten league home record, stretching over 41 months at the time of writing. They have begun their campaign much as they did the last campaign, proving in the end to be too much for an enterprising Leeds and swatting aside Chelsea on their own patch, taking full advantage of being a man up on their title rivals. Striker Roberto Firmino remains a steadfast foil for Sadio Mané and Mo Salah, and key signing Thiago will be afforded time and space to continue to adapt to a new playing style and league. Expect them to continue in the same vein against Arsenal, harassing their opposition from the get-go with a high defensive block and fluid front three. The number of attacking threats are ominous, especially from the bench (as was proven by putting seven past Lincoln City in the EFL Cup).
Arsenal have added solidity to creativity
Manager Mikel Arteta, who previously had the title of head coach, was rewarded for the improvements made under his gaze with added responsibilities under his remit. Just like Liverpool, his outfit have made the perfect start from their opening two matches, and the capture of Brazilian stalwart and winger Willian has added a greater work-rate in the first two thirds of the pitch, as well as at the sharp end. Having bested fellow London sides Fulham and West Ham United to date whilst appearing more defensively organised, they will cognisant that their newly established solidity will undergo easily the most thorough examination yet. It will be the job of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in particular to ensure that their hosts don't have the lion's share of possession in the visitors' half, and his creativity in tight spaces will be key to interrupting the swagger the Reds could enjoy if left unchecked.
Trading blows, trading goals
A more mature looking Gunners should, at least in spells, be able to go toe-to-toe with Liverpool, just as Leeds managed to. More pertinently, they possess less naivety in defensive areas than Marcelo Bielsa's side displayed. The lack of a crowd might make things less tense from the outset, which should make for an end-to-end occasion from the very first minute. With the attacking talent in both XIs, this ought to mean plenty of good chances being created, and it's difficult to foresee at least several of those being taken with aplomb. Over 4.5 goals at odds of 3.80 with Betway looks like a shrewd move for your betslip.
