Champions League: Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds
| Bookie |
1 |
X |
2 |
<2.5 |
>2.5 |
| PinnacleSports |
2.27 |
3.06 |
3.85 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| Bet365 |
2.25 |
3.00 |
3.60 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| Expekt |
2.20 |
3.05 |
3.70 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
| Gamebookers |
1.91 |
21.00 |
1.91 |
1.55 |
2.35 |
This week Champions League matches
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 Until yesterday Arsenal were the club praised by all, in terms of both play and results. Last couple of weeks, however, just as many experts predicted, they are in a crisis, allowed Manchester United to move away on the Premier League head and even let Chelsea leapfrog them into second. We can say that the title will remain a dream, the same dream Liverpool fans have been dreaming for decades, now. One thing is certain, current Premier League form will be of no effect on the Champions League peformance.
You'll Never Win Anything With Kids
Although famous Alan Hansen’s statement, said on the start of the season when Ferguson managed to conquer Premier League with six U21 players and set the foundation of great Manchester in the next 15 years, proved to be wrong then, it can surely be applied on Wenger and his tactics now. Luckily for Wenger he is not in charge of the club that have title ambitions, so his head post is still stable. The fact is that Arsenal play attractive football, with few young and talented players, but it is also the fact that the play fell apart in the most important part of the season.
This weekend the Gunners won the first Premiership match after 5 failures (4 draws and a defeat against Chelsea). Though outnumbered, once again they managed to turn the score over, after the rivals had a 2:0 lead, which proves that their combative spirit is still high. The fact that they once again saved points in the final moments points to the amount of luck Wenger’s side had this year. Match against Liverpool will be something completely different from their regular Premier League matches against Aston Villa and Bolton. If there is anything Benitez can do well, then it is certainly setting the tactics for the Cup legs. He is completely aware that attractive football won't determine the winner here, but less conceding which certainly goes in favour of Reds.
Eduardo started his recovery, and besides Croatian international, Wenger won’t be able to count on winger Sagna. However, Arsenal have a deep bench so these two absent players cannot be considered a too big handicap. Wenger's main problem will be getting Fabregas and Adebayor back in shape, since they lately haven’t played with the potential their fans are used to.
Liverpool can hope for success only in the Champions League
Benitez, obviously isn’t capable of making up a team that could join the title contention. Signing bunch of average players that can live up to their tasks and play disciplined when it takes, is a good solution for the Champions League and the matches against the non-calculating sides, but it becomes a problem when they must win weaker rivals. Liverpool men simply haven’t got the individual quality, necessary to prevail in matches against sides like Blackburn or Plymouth.
Torres and Gerard are the only two stars in the club and it is up to them whether Liverpool will score or not. Spaniard is practically the only real back-up, Rafa brought for the Reds. His strike also solved the city derby against Everton this weekend, and now he is expected to use at least one Arsenal mistake and score at Emirates in order to reach the semifinals. The fact that these two have scored more than half of Liverpool goals proves best how much Liverpool depends on them.
Good news for Benitez is that all of his players are ready, except Agger that finished the season. On the other hand, the fact that Gerard already has a yellow card booked, could be a problem, so he will have to start the match carefully so he can play in the duel at Anfield.
Betting Verdict
Although Arsenal, at first sight, have left better results behind them, Liverpool are in better form at the moment. As we said, Arsenal finally ended winless five-game streak, this weekend, while Liverpool are in fine form, disregarding the match against Manchester United. Benitez certainly has more experience for such duels and he can bring the lead to Liverpool. Reds surely won’t play to win, but they will settle with a point, trying to reach the opposite net through counterattacks. On the other hand, Arsenal haven’t got the players that can play this way which can be a problem unless they reach an early lead. As we see it, Liverpool have great chance to remain unbeaten in this match, and the great pressure upon Arsenal players due to failures over the last couple of weeks, also goes to their favour.
Our tip: Bet 4 on Liverpool not to lose
Odds 1.69 at
Bookmaker: Bet-At-Home
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