The Premier League's third match day of the season looked to be ready to end with a classic match between Liverpool and Arsenal.
However, a questionable Starting XI leaves us believing that the Reds are going to be facing a tremendous uphill battle.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Arsenal has a generous price on its head for sure. The Gunners are odds-on favorites, and rightfully so at -138 on the moneyline. Liverpool's normal Starting XI would have a real chance at getting a result from this match, but this club in its current state probably wouldn't be deserving favorites on the road against many, if any of the 19 other Premier League teams.
The total is high because of the forward-thinking of late of Arsenal. The number to beat is 2.5 with -133 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
Daniel Sturridge is still at least a few weeks from returning from his hip injury, but the truly important injury here might be the one to Jordan Henderson. Henderson hurt his foot last week against Bournemouth, and there is increasing concern at Liverpool that he won't be able to go in this match.
Joe Allen is still out for the Reds as well, while Mamadou Sakho could be on the verge of being transferred after sitting out successive matches to kick off the EPL season.
Arsenal has its share of injury woes as well, but Arsene Wenger seems more capable of coping with the problems. Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere will all be in street clothes this Monday.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I'm confident that he can be one of the great players of 2015-16. He can become player of the year. He is a fantastic player, and I would put him on the list to be player of the season next season." – Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Mesut Ozil, who has been in terrific form to start the season for the Gunners
RECENT FORM
Liverpool has yet to give up a goal this year, but it has yet to be impressive either. The Reds have consecutive 1-0 wins against Stoke City and Bournemouth. The second of those wins was almost a bit depressing. Bournemouth never really had the eye for scoring, but just the fact that the Reds were never able to put the match away was a huge concern for the Anfield supporters.
Olivier Giroud was all over the pitch last week against Crystal Palace, and he was unlucky not to bag a hat trick. He did score once, and he was the main reason why the Eagles put one in the back of their own net in the second half as well. The 2-1 Arsenal victory was more impressive than the final score suggests. The result was much better than a stunning 2-0 loss at home against West Ham to kick off the season.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
This is a really important match for the Gunners, and we think they're going to play like it. Liverpool is a Top 4 contending team, and losing this fixture would really put a damper on Arsenal's Champions League hopes, even this early on the young season.
Arsenal will want to put forth a better effort here than it did against the Hammers, and between Ozil and Giroud, we're sure that will end up being the case.
Liverpool's defense will hold the fort for a while, but eventually, pressure will tell, and Arsenal will strike. When it does, the hosts could enjoy themselves the rest of the way.
Arsenal 2, Liverpool 0
BookMaker has live Barclays Premier League odds for every clash of the season. You can find a moneyline price on Arsenal of -138 and a total of 2.5 right now! BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Live wagering during commercials offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer game now!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Arsenal and Liverpool will take place at 3:00 p.m. ET on Monday, August 24, 2015 at Emirates Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
