Premier League

Liverpool vs Arsenal prediction

Liverpool host Arsenal in Monday night football to conclude the third week of the 2020-21 Premier League season.

Both sides head into the game with a 100% start to the new campaign, identical to last season when these two met at Anfield in the third game of the season, with Jurgen Klopp’s side running out 3-1 winners that night.

This time Arsenal are looking much more impressive under Mikel Arteta, whose side held the Premier League champions to a 1-1 draw in the FA Community Shield a month ago.

The Gunners were commanding in their 3-0 win away to Fulham in their season opener but less-than-impressive in needing an 85th minute winner to beat West Ham United 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.

Liverpool’s defence came under question when they started their title defence with a 4-3 win over Leeds United before seeing off 10-man Chelsea 2-0 last weekend, which included Alisson denying Jorginho from the penalty spot.

Whilst I feel Arsenal have improved greatly from 12 months ago, I still think they’ll be beaten at Anfield tonight, but the 1.52 odds on the home side are too short for me to back. The better value is in the goals.

I simply cannot see Arteta’s side showing up to Anfield and coming away with a clean sheet against the likes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, with Thiago Alcantara pulling the strings behind them.

Arsenal themselves I can see scoring too – Alexandre Lacazette has made a fine start to the season whilst Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of the best forwards in world football. Willian will provide service from the right, whilst Dani Ceballos, Kieran Tierney and Hector Bellerin should also provide good support in attack.

Best bet: Both teams to score is 1.56 with Smarkets