Roy Hodgson will face Gunners in his ‘real' debut at Anfield Road as understaffed Arsenal travel to Merseyside for the season opener. Hodgson actually played his first home match last week against FK Rabotnicki in Europa League qualifiers. However, this match can be considered his true debut as it could set the tempo for the rest of the season. With new players, a new manager and possibly new ownership, Liverpool is somewhat of a wildcard ahead of the 2010/2011 season, left with something to prove after a woeful finish last year.
Arsene Wenger is in a real dilemma ahead of Saturday's road game. Despite receiving a boost from Cesc Fabregas, who decided to extend his contract thru this season, Arsenal will be without 7 possible starters ahead of the match. This includes superstars Fabregas and Robin van Persie. Gunners have not yet made any significant transfers during the window and this will hurt them as they once again push for the Premier League title.
English Premier League: Liverpool FC vs. Arsenal FC
Date: 15 August, 2010 - 17:00 CET
Stadium: Anfield Road - Liverpool
Referee: Martin Atkinson (Bradford)
Liverpool:
Keeper: Pepe Reina
Defenders: Jamie Carragher, Glen Johnson, Martin Skrtel, Martin Kelly
Midfielders: Stephen Gerrard, Joe Cole, Lucas, Maxi Rodriguez
Forwards: David N'Gog, Milan Jovanovic
Manager: Roy Hodgson
Injured: -
Booked: -
Arsenal:
Goalkeeper: Manuel Almunia
Defenders: Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna, Emmanuel Eboue, Thomas Vermaelen
Midfielders: Andrei Arshavin, Theo Walcott, Samir Nasri, Jack Wilshere
Forwards: Marouane Chamakh, Carlos Vela
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Injured: Nicklas Bendtner, Abou Diaby, Alex Song, Denilson, Aaron Ramsey
Booked: -
Roy Hodgson and his squad will have something to prove in front of a no doubt raucous Kop, while Wenger will be struggling with injuries and lack of fitness. Both sides should adopt a semi-aggressive style. Weather in Liverpool is forecasted to be 15 degrees with a 30% chance of showers. Martin Atkinson will officiate this match.
Last meeting: 10.02.2010, Arsenal - Liverpool 1:0
Wins Liverpool: 65
Wins Arsenal: 63
Draws: 45
I believe Liverpool have the momentum here with new signings, new manager and the return of their all-stars. With the home-field advantage, backing Liverpool in the draw no bet market has good value.
Tip: Liverpool +0 in Asian Handicap market.
The best odds to this game you find at
Betfair,
Bet365 and
Expekt.
