Premier League betting – Liverpool vs Arsenal

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting preview

Much has changed on Merseyside since Liverpool’s final day defeat to Chelsea last season. Rafa Benitez has been ousted, the Kop snared Roy Hodgson from the clutches of Fulham and Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard have committed their long term futures to the club. But there is one small matter yet to be resolved – the Reds’ future ownership. Speculation has been rife concerning the various groups interested in purchasing the club from co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett. And as Roy Hodgson prepares for his first game in the Liverpool dug-out, he’ll be hoping the talk of a buy-out will not prove a distraction on the field. Arsene Wenger’s young Arsenal side provide the opposition at Anfield on Sunday aiming to blunt the Hodgson party but who will prevail? Liverpool are 6/4 with Betfred to register an opening day win for their new boss while the North Londoners represent value at 2/1 with Paddy Power. The draw is being chalked up at 23/10 (Betfred).

The Reds have arguable pulled of the coo of the summer with the bosman signing of Joe Cole from Chelsea. The England International is likely to prove a huge hit with the Kop faithful and has been handed the number ten jersey at the club. All eyes will be glued to the ex-West Ham ace who will be eager to make his mark very early on at his new home. Milan Jovanovic and Christian Poulsen have followed Cole through the door, the latter likely to be a straight replacement for the outgoing Javier Mascherano who has signalled his desire to leave. Liverpool fans have cause for optimism following the sure but steady two legged Europa successes against Rabotnicki but Arsenal will definitely provide a much sterner test.

The Gunners have had a fairly quiet summer in the transfer market adding just two new faces in the shape of Morrocan frontman Marouane Chamakh and French defender Laurent Koscielny. Wenger has been assured funds are available but surprisingly he hasn’t dipped into his warchest considering the mass exodus of players. Sol Campbell, William Gallas, Phillipe Senderos and Mickael Silvestre have all left the club this summer leaving Wenger with a rather depleted squad. The only saving grace was captain Cesc Fabregas not following them out the exit door. They will be hoping to improve on last seasons third place finish but worryingly there squad lack the numbers to carry the burden of playing regular domestic and European football. We should have more of an idea of Arsenal’s intention when they travel to Liverpool – if last seasons emphatic opening away day victory is anything to go by. Arsene’s Gooner’s hit Everton for six so Merseyside will bring back happy memories but the big question remains – can they repeat this feat?

Arsenal hold the upper hand in head to heads, they are unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings both home and away against Liverpool. In fact, you have to look as far back as 2007 for the last Liverpool victory in this fixture, a crushing 4-1 win at Anfield. Last term, Arsenal completed the double over their Merseyside counterparts recording a 1-0 victory in the corresponding fixture. If history is to repeat itself, Arsenal to win 1-0 this time around pays a plausible 8/1 with BlueSquare. The 1-1 draw seems the most likely scoreline with the bookies at 11/2 across the board.

Both teams are missing their star perfomers with Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas both likely to miss the game through injuries. The goalscoring duties could be left to Robin Van Persie, a losing finalist with Holland this summer, he can grab the first at 7/1 (Victor Chandler). Punters may well fancy Marouane Chamakh to grab a debut goal after scoring against AC Milan in the pre season Emirates Cup, the signing from Bordeaux is 23/10 (Paddy Power) to score at anytime in the ninety. Liverpool’s main goal threat must lie with Captain Stevie (15/2 SkyBet) to score the opener but it may be best to overlook David Ngog who despite scoring against Rabotnicki missed some guilt edged chances and generally lacked that cutting edge in front of goal. The longshot wager in this one rests with the little Russian Magician. Andrei Arshavin enjoys playing at Anfield having scored four here the season before last and he can trouble the score sheet at Paddy Power’s generous 11/4 at anytime.

So can Liverpool give new manager Roy Hodgson a dream start to life at the club or will Arsenal spring a reminder to just how big a job he has on his hands? A new gaffer can bring a turn in fortunes and the players will do it for Roy and the fans on Sunday afternoon. It’ll be a closely contested opener and the first goal as ever will be all important but Liverpool to nick it just by the odd goals.

Reccomended bets: Liverpool to win at 11/4 with William Hill – click for free bet

Click here for a full list of bookmaker free bets.

By Mikey Mumford

*Click here for all the latest odds on upcoming football matches