Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says he would be “shocked” if Arsenal do manage to beat Liverpool at the Emirates this evening.
While the former Gunners midfielder did not predict a result for the game, he believes the home side should not be expected to win against Jurgen Klopp’s men after failing to do so in their three previous matches versus the Reds this season:
“I’d be shocked if they [Arsenal] turned it around that quickly. Liverpool look like they’re more established. Liverpool have got to go out and win this game. Arsenal have done what they’ve had to do – they’ve beat the other teams. We haven’t talked too many times and said, ‘Oh, Arsenal have drawn with Watford at home 0-0’. Man Utd haven’t won games they should have won and Arsenal have. If you do that, it doesn’t really matter what you do against the big three. They’ve been consistent against the teams they should beat.”
Merson is correct in saying that Liverpool have had the edge over their opponents this season, having won the reverse fixture at Anfield back in November, as well as triumphing over two legs in the Carabao Cup semi-final back in January.
However, Arsenal’s form has been excellent over the past couple of months and, while the Reds should still be considered favourites to secure the three points, this is likely to be a tight contest won on the finest of margins.
A win, though, would be massive in terms of the title race. Liverpool could go within one point of Manchester City and that should give Klopp’s team huge motivation.
