The race for the Premier League Champions League spots hots up on Saturday at Anfield, where fifth-place Liverpool host fourth-place Arsenal.
In truth, neither side has been in great form of late, so it is difficult to separate the pair. However, it will be a crucial clash for both sides, especially as both could find themselves outside the top four by the kick-off with sixth-place Manchester United playing in the early kick-off.
Liverpool’s record of one win from their last seven competitive outings is not great, but neither is the Gunners two wins from their last five in all competitions. One key to this clash could be that it is at Anfield, where Liverpool have been defeated just once in 20 league games, while Arsenal have lost three of their last five on the road in the Premier League.
However, those defeats have come at Everton, Manchester City and Chelsea, all difficult places for opposition teams to win at. The Gunners last outing was at National League side Sutton United in the FA Cup fifth round, with Arsene Wenger’s side recording a comfortable 2-0 win.
That game was the last time the side north London played and was close to two weeks ago. They may well be fresh, but they may also be slightly ring-rusty from the break.
Arsenal have blown hot and cold at times this season, but it is vital that they do not lose this game. Liverpool are now one of their main rivals for a top-four spot and would move above the Gunners with a win in this clash.
Liverpool usually raise their game for the clashes with the big guns, but at the moment they are really struggling for form. Forebet predicts that the game will end all-square and both teams will be left frustrated.