Arsenal vs Liverpool Betting Analysis

The outcome of Sunday's clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at Highbury depends largely on what mood takes the home side. Indeed, Arsenal have demonstrated how good they are when on song recently. A well-deserved Champions League verdict over Real Madrid and a masterclass of high-octane football when beating Fulham 4-1 at Craven Cottage last weekend served as a reminder of their quality. However, recent defeats at the hands of Blackburn, Everton and West Ham in the Premiership also served as a reminder, a disconcerting reminder, that they can be extremely disorganised in defence, and can be bullied in midfield owing to the departure of the talismanic Viera. Liverpool, who beat Arsenal 1-0 courtesy of an 87th minute Luis Garcia goal at Anfield last month, have turned their Merseyside stadium into a veritable fortress, boasting one of the best defensive records in the league. The Reds' form away from home has been less consistent, winning five, drawing four, and losing four in the Premiership this season. I reckon that confidence is going to be a major factor in this tie, and Arsenal will certainly hold the edge in that department. Arsene Wenger's charges became the first English to beat Real Madrid in their own back yard when winning their Champions League first-leg encounter with the Spaniards, before playing out a 0-0 draw with them at Highbury, a game in which they were at least the equal of the visitors in every area of the park. Conversely, Liverpool were outpointed 2-0 at Anfield by Benfica, losing the tie 3-0 on aggregate. Given that retaining their Champions League crown was the only remaining chance Pool had to add silverware to their cabinet this season, their spirits are bound to be low - not least because they were hot favourites to progress to the next stage of the European Cup with Benfica being perceived as inferior opposition. Taking this factor into consideration - and given that Arsenal will be desperate to claim three points in a match that will see them home in on fourth place in the Premiership, currently occupied by their north London rivals, Spurs - backing the home win at 13/10 with Paddy Power is the call.