Liverpool vs Arsenal preview

Wednesday January 13, 2016 20:00pm – Anfield

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Liverpool: LWWLD

Arsenal: WWLWW

Injury-ravaged Liverpool are still dreaming of a top-four finish while Wednesday’s opponents Arsenal have their eye on the top prize in the Barclays Premier League.

Big test for Klopp’s depleted squad

While Arsenal sit proudly on top of the Premier League, Liverpool are reluctant leaders of the top-flight injury table with almost a dozen players currently injured or in recovery. As result, Anfield boss Jurgen Klopp will have to get creative in his team selection for Wednesday night.

The Reds are just three points away from the European places, and a win against the league leaders would certainly give them a boost after such a torrid few weeks, in which they have lost all of their top choice centre-backs.

Squad management will be vital as the club tries to juggle their involvement in three cup competitions with their league campaign over the coming weeks.

The 18-time league champions come into this game on the back of a poor display at West Ham and an entertaining FA Cup draw away to Exeter City. Some of the fringe players that impressed in the West Country may get a run out on Wednesday night.

Arsenal on top

Arsenal may be top of the league but any talk of a title challenge is being kept to a whisper. After all, the Gunners have been in this position before and fallen away at the crucial stage.

Arsene Wenger’s men have not be totally convincing away from home having won just once (against bottom club Aston Villa) on their last four road trips. The last time they ventured away from the Emirates, they were hammered 4-0 by a Southampton side that have otherwise been struggling in the league.

Prediction

Liverpool will be playing with a makeshift backline led by ex-Gunner Kolo Toure but further up the pitch, they should have enough quality to compete in this game. Arsenal are missing some key players such as Sanchez and Cazorla, but will still start as favourites.

Liverpool have a habit of showing up for these games, and Arsenal have a habit of failing to capitalise on their league position. Back the home win at 2/1 with Betfair.