Liverpool had itself a frustrating weekend, drawing on Friday at Exeter City, forcing itself into an FA Cup replay against the League Two side.
The competition will be significantly harder on Wednesday when Arsenal, the team sitting at the top of the BPL table pays a visit to Anfield.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool +190
Arsenal +145 Draw +245
Over/Under 2.5 (over -115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
These two teams might be separated by seven spots in the standings, but the oddsmakers feel as though Arsenal is only slightly the better of the two teams here at Anfield. The Reds are set at +190 at home, while the Gunners are the slender +145 favorites. Both teams are set at PK on the Asian Handicap, and it wouldn't be surprising to see either side end up with three points.
The total of 2.5 is slightly shaded towards the over with -115 vig.
KEY INJURIES
The injury list isn't getting any shorter for the Gunners as we head into the second half of the Premier League season. Santiago Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Tomas Rosicky, Alexis Sanchez, Danny Welbeck and Jack Wilshere are all still out of the fold for the time being, and it's unknown whether any of these men are going to be back at any time before the transfer window closes again at the end of the month.
Liverpool figures to be getting some big names back in the lineup after short absences. Kolo Toure missed the match with Exeter, but he should be back on Wednesday, while Jordan Henderson, who has been out since just before the new year, is expected back in the fold from his heel problem as well. Daniel Sturridge is up in the air for a return to the lineup after missing over a month with a hamstring issue.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"Of course it's difficult. We have two other games and then the replay is after Man U. If the situation doesn't change, we will play the same team or a little bit different with other young players. We can't lose sight of our goal in the Premier League." – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp on why he fielded such a young team against Exeter City in the FA Cup last weekend
RECENT FORM
We're willing to throw out Liverpool's last two matches against Exeter and Stoke City, as Klopp isn't paying nearly as much attention to cup play as he is the Premier League. What should be noted though, is that the Reds were beaten in their last BPL fixture against West Ham 2-0 on the road. Form has been good here at Anfield though, as the Reds are winners in three of their last four on their home grounds.
Arsenal dismissed Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday, giving it three straight wins across all competitions since the 4-0 loss on the road at Southampton on Boxing Day. This is the continuation of a horrendous stretch of matches for the Gunners, but they've acquitted themselves well thus far in spite of the fact that they've been thinned out tremendously by injuries.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
That lack of depth is finally going to show on Wednesday. Arsenal has played tremendous defense of late, but the Reds could finally be the ones to break the wall, especially if they're able to get Henderson and even possibly Sturridge back on the pitch.
Klopp has made no bones about the fact that he wants to get his team forward more in the second half of the season, especially with the coveted top four only six points away and the top of the table still within reach as well.
This is a huge match for Liverpool – far bigger than it is for Arsenal. We think that'll show on Wednesday night.
Liverpool 3, Arsenal 1
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Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between Liverpool and Arsenal will take place at 3:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at Anfield. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
