Prediction and odds for the game: Liverpool (21/20) vs Arsenal (23/10)

We are backing the home win

When: Thursday 13 January 2022, Kick-off 19:45

Where: Anfield

On Thursday night, Liverpool and Arsenal meet in the rearrangement Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at Anfield.

Liverpool

The Reds head into this clash on the back of just one win in their last five matches in all competitions. It is their first real downturn in form this season, but could well prove costly in the race for the Premier League title.

Jurgen Klopp’s team did get back to winning ways last time out, though by recording a 4-1 home win over Shrewsbury in the FA Cup third round. The game continued Liverpool’s prolific scoring run in front of goal, as they have now scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in all competitions. However, they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their previous six games either.

Liverpool needed penalty kicks to see off Leicester in the last round of the competition. They have also won just two of their last four matches in normal time in the Carabao Cup.

The absence of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, who are both t the African Cup of nations with their respective nations will certainly be a blow to the men from Merseyside.

Arsenal

The Gunners had built up some positive momentum in recent months. However, consecutive defeats to Premier League champions Manchester City and a 1-0 loss to Championship Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round have dented the feel-good factor at the north London club.

The two straight losses came after five straight victories in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s team. The visitors will look to return to winning ways as soon as possible.

The Gunners have won their last four matches in the Carabao Cup while scoring at least two goals in each game. That should give them hope of a first-leg advantage. However, this is a difficult encounter for the visitors, as Arsenal have not won at Anfield since 2012.

The fact that key midfielder Thomas Partey will be missing due to his participation at the African Cup of Nations will not help the visitors cause. Nicolas Pepe, Mohamed Elneny and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are also at the AFCON. Emile Smith Rowe and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also fitness doubts for Arsenal.

Conclusion

With so many first-team players missing from both teams, it is hard to judge this one. However, we are backing the home win. Even with a weakened team, Liverpool are a hard opponent to face at Anfield. Therefore, we are backing the home win. The other bet we are backing is over 2.5 goals scored, as both teams offer a significant attacking threat.

Our Tips: We are backing the home win at odds at 21/20 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 7/10. (All odds are taken from Bet365)

[geosnippet id=3620]

If you are looking for a bookmaker to place your bet on Liverpool vs Arsenal, then don’t forget to visit our betting page for our recommended bookmakers. If you want more previews and tips, you may also be interested in our soccer predictions page, where we post regular content.

Which of these two teams will gain an advantage for the second leg in north London?