Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions

Liverpool vs Arsenal predictions & tips ahead of this pre-season clash. Liverpool will take on Arsenal in an all-Premier League clash at Lincoln Financial Field on Thursday, as part of both teams’ American pre-season tour ahead of the 2024-25 campaign. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.

Club Friendlies | Aug 1, 2024 at 12.30am UK at Lincoln Financial Field

Liverpool vs Arsenal Predictions

[wptb id=418819]

Will Liverpool and Arsenal’s Pre-Season Clash Hint at Future Success?

As Liverpool prepare to face Arsenal at Lincoln Financial Field, the spotlight is on both teams as they continue their preparations for the upcoming Premier League season. This pre-season friendly provides an opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their tactics and gauge their progress. Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, and Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta are both aiming to build momentum with their squads in this all-Premier League encounter.

Match Preview

Liverpool’s pre-season has been a mixed bag so far, featuring a narrow 1-0 loss to Preston North End and a 1-0 victory over Real Betis. The Reds, under the fresh guidance of Arne Slot, are in a transition phase following Jurgen Klopp’s departure. Slot, known for his tactical acumen at Feyenoord, is working to instill his philosophy at Anfield. Despite the loss to Preston, Liverpool displayed improved possession play against Betis, controlling 63% of the ball. Dominik Szoboszlai’s first-half goal secured their first win under Slot, highlighting the potential of the new tactical setup.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have had a promising start to their pre-season. A 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, followed by a penalty shootout win, set the tone before they came from behind to beat Manchester United 2-1. Arteta’s side, who narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in the last two seasons, are eager to push for the top spot once again. This fixture against Liverpool is another crucial step in their preparation, with games against Bayer Leverkusen and Olympique Lyonnais to follow.

Team News

Liverpool's squad is currently stretched due to the international commitments of several key players. As many as 14 players were involved in the 2024 European Championships or Copa America, and only a few, including Andrew Robertson, Diogo Jota, Szoboszlai, and Vitezslav Jaros, have returned. Curtis Jones is doubtful after an injury against Real Betis, so Slot might opt for a midfield trio of Wataru Endo, Tyler Morton, and Szoboszlai. The defence is also makeshift, with a likely backline of Caoimhin Kelleher, Conor Bradley, Jarell Quansah, Sepp van den Berg, and Konstantinos Tsimikas.

Arsenal are similarly affected by absences due to international duty, missing regular starters like Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, and William Saliba. However, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Martinelli have joined the squad and featured against Manchester United. Arteta is expected to start these players, alongside youngsters Ayden Heaven and Ethan Nwaneri, who have impressed in pre-season.

Liverpool Possible Starting Lineup: Kelleher; Bradley, Quansah, Van den Berg, Tsimikas; Endo, Morton; Salah, Szoboszlai, Elliott; Jota

Arsenal Possible Starting Lineup: Hein; White, Timber, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Nwaneri; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli

Tactical Analysis

Under Slot, Liverpool are adapting to a new style focused on possession and high pressing. Their improved control against Betis suggests progress, but the defensive organisation remains a work in progress. The absence of several first-choice defenders could expose vulnerabilities against a potent Arsenal attack.

Arsenal, with Arteta at the helm, will likely employ their characteristic high-intensity pressing and quick transitions. Their ability to control the midfield with players like Odegaard and Jorginho will be key, while the attacking trio of Jesus, Havertz, and Martinelli can exploit any defensive lapses from Liverpool.

Key Player Battles

1. Dominik Szoboszlai vs. Ethan Nwaneri: Szoboszlai's creativity and goal-scoring ability will test Nwaneri's defensive discipline and positioning in the midfield.
2. Mohamed Salah vs. Gabriel Magalhaes: Salah’s pace and finishing will challenge Gabriel’s defensive solidity, making this a crucial duel.
3. Gabriel Jesus vs. Jarell Quansah: Jesus’s movement and clinical finishing will be a significant test for the young Quansah.

Gameplay Prediction

Given the tactical setups and the players available, this match could see both teams looking to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. Liverpool's emphasis on possession might lead to more controlled build-up play, while Arsenal's pressing and quick transitions could exploit any defensive mistakes from Liverpool.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Liverpool

• Strengths: High possession play, creative midfield, and attacking depth.
• Weaknesses: Defensive vulnerabilities, particularly due to absentees, and adapting to a new tactical system.

Arsenal

• Strengths: Intense pressing, quick transitions, and a solid midfield.
• Weaknesses: Defensive stability without key players, reliance on young players.

Managerial Critique

Arne Slot: Slot's initial period at Liverpool has shown promise in terms of possession and control. However, the defensive issues evident in the loss to Preston indicate that more work is needed to solidify the backline. His ability to integrate his tactical philosophy quickly will be crucial.

Mikel Arteta: Arteta has built a competitive side capable of challenging for titles, but the recurring issue of narrowly missing out needs addressing. His tactical acumen is strong, but maintaining consistency throughout the season remains a challenge.

Expected Goals Analysis

Liverpool scored an average of 2.3 goals per game last season, with a potent attack but a defence that conceded 1.1 goals per game. Arsenal, on the other hand, averaged 2.4 goals per game while conceding 0.8. Both teams have strong attacking records but face defensive questions, suggesting a high-scoring encounter is likely.

Betting Angles

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score Given both sides' attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, it is highly likely that both teams will find the net in this match. Liverpool’s defensive issues and Arsenal’s dynamic attack support this prediction.

Correct Score: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal Aligning with the best bet, a high-scoring draw seems plausible. Both teams have the capability to score multiple goals, making a 2-2 scoreline likely.

Goalscorer: Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime Salah’s form and Liverpool’s reliance on him for goals make him a strong candidate to find the net. His ability to exploit defensive gaps will be crucial.

Corner Prediction: Arsenal to Win More Corners Arsenal’s pressing and attacking play are likely to result in more corners. Liverpool’s makeshift defence could also lead to more defensive clearances.

Innovative Market: Total Team Shots on Target Over 6.5 With both teams’ attacking styles and defensive vulnerabilities, it is likely that the total number of shots on target will exceed 6.5. Both sides’ offensive strategies support this market.

Subscribe To Our Newsletter For Exclusive Tips

Want to have exclusive tips from experts tipsters delivered right into your inbox? Subscribe Now To Our Newsletter. We will never spam, we fully respect your privacy!