Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction, Odds, Best Bets - Premier League

Arsenal take the league's best defence to Anfield on Sunday, where Liverpool have been winning without flowing. A top-four meeting with the title race already taking shape rarely needs extra tension.

The Matchup

Sunday's meeting at Anfield pairs the league's best defence with its most puzzling home attack. Arsenal have conceded 5 goals in eight matches, the fewest in the division, and have won three of four on the road.

Liverpool sit fourth, yet they have scored only 4 goals in four matches at Anfield, and their home record of one win, two draws and a defeat is not the fortress form of old. Alexander Isak is carrying the threat almost alone, with 6 goals this season, and he scored the second in last Sunday's 2-0 win over Brighton at this ground.

Neither club has named its side yet. The expectation is Isak leading Liverpool's line again, with Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola either side of him after all three started against Brighton. Isak was rested to the bench for the midweek cup tie with Chelsea, which Liverpool won on penalties after a 1-1 draw.

Liverpool are without Dominik Szoboszlai, who is out with a hamstring injury, and Jeremie Frimpong, who is also out with a hamstring injury. For Arsenal, the expectation is Viktor Gyokeres leading the line with Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke wide, because Bukayo Saka is out with a thigh injury.

Saka limped off against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and is expected to miss several weeks. Kai Havertz started the midweek cup tie at Fleetwood Town and gives Arsenal a different kind of forward option, with 2 league goals this season. William Saliba is also out for Arsenal with a back injury, so keep an eye on the Arsenal team news before placing a bet.

Key Factors

Arsenal's defending travels because it is built on shape rather than desperation. They have conceded 3 goals in four away matches, and even without Saliba they kept a clean sheet against Everton last Saturday, when both goals in a 2-0 win came from their centre-backs, Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes. A side that can score from set pieces and defend its own box does not need many chances to ruin a home favourite's afternoon.

The counterpoint is Isak, and an early goal. If Liverpool score first, Arsenal have to come out, and a game this tight can stretch quickly once one side is chasing. Liverpool have also won their last two league matches, against Brentford and Brighton, and Isak is in the kind of form where one half-chance is enough.

That is the route that beats this bet. Without an early goal, though, this has the shape of a long, careful afternoon, with two sides who would rather not lose to a title rival than gamble on beating one.

Every pick is published with its line before the game. Odds via consensus sportsbooks at time of writing and move constantly. Must be 21+. If gambling is a problem, call or text 1-800-GAMBLER.