All of a sudden, Liverpool are the favorites to win the Premier League. The Reds were just trying to keep pace with Manchester City for much of the season, but they are now the team to beat in England after the Citizens struggles in recent weeks. Liverpool are six points up on the field at the halfway point of the campaign, but they face a rather tough test this week. A quality Arsenal side comes to town, and the Gunners won’t be willing to just roll over.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Anfield in Liverpool at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 29, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on NBC.
English Premier League Betting at BookMaker.eu
Liverpool -200
Arsenal +490
Draw +368
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Arsenal saw an 18-game unbeaten streak go up in smoke two weeks ago, and the Gunners have not been in great form since losing to Southampton. They have won just once in their last four games, losing on the road to the Saints and they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Tottenham Hotspur too. Arsenal did manage to pick up a needed win against Burnley last weekend, but they were flustered by Brighton and Hove Albion on Boxing Day and could only manage a 1-1 draw.
This is the Liverpool fans were wanting to see all year. Early on, the Reds were winning with defense and they weren’t performing to their abilities on the attack. However, something clicked after the miracle win in the Merseyside Derby, and they have looked dominant over the last month. Liverpool have outscored their last five Premier League opponents 16-2, and they won all of their games by multiple goals. On Boxing Day, they thrashed Newcastle United 4-0.
Key Injuries
Rob Holding and Danny Welbeck are now long-term injuries for the side of Arsenal. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is expected to be out for the next six weeks too after picking up an ankle injury in the win over Burnley. Hector Bellerin, Emile Smith Rowe, and Konstantinos will be out another week, and Arsenal is also expected to be without Nacho Monreal and Shkodran Mustafi too.
Former Arsenal player Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain continues to be a long-term scratch for Liverpool, and it was recently announced that Joel Matip is out for six weeks and Joe Gomez is out for another four weeks. James Milner and Alberto Moreno are both listed as questionable for the Reds.
Player to Watch
Mo Salah is back in fine form. Salah is currently third in the Premier League in the race for the Golden Boot, and he has left his slow start in the dust. The reigning Premier League Golden Boot holder has scored six goals and notched two assists in his last five matches in all competitions, and it was his goal that put Liverpool through to the next round of the Champions League.
Liverpool are at their best when he is in the lineup, but there is a chance they will not have him available this weekend. Salah dived in order to win a penalty kick early in the second half against Newcastle United, and there’s a small chance the FA will suspend him for the action. That would be a huge blow to Liverpool.
Prop Bet of the Game – Over 3 and 3.5 Goals +103
There should be a number of goals in this game, even if Salah doesn’t play. Arsenal have played fun, back and forth games with the other top teams in the Premier League this season, and I don’t see another 1-1 final like the last time these teams met.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I see Arsenal breaking through to score once against Liverpool, but it won’t be enough. The Reds have found their form and the Gunners are depleted due to injury. Look for Liverpool to get another three points here.
English Premier League Odds: Liverpool 3, Arsenal 1
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