First versus fourth at Anfield starts off the premiership action this weekend, Arsenal the league leaders are in cracking form with an average 57% possession and 85% pass accuracy per game coupled with 18 shots 6 of which are on target makes them many peoples favourite to win the title. Anfield has been a happy hunting ground for the North Londoner’s in recent years winning on their last two visits. However Liverpool this year at Anfield are a different proposition and there stats compare favourably with 57% and 85% passing accuracy also however there shots per game rocket up to 21 and Anfield with on average 8 of these on target. Arsenal while impressive overall are not as effective away from the Emirates and there shots ratio drops to 13 with 5 on target when on the road.
Liverpool defensively at home are on a par with anyone seeing them rarely concede more than one at Anfield with the notable exception being Aston Villa, who took a 2-0 lead which was put down to poor team set up and once Brendan Rodgers rebalanced his side at half time they scored no more with the game ending 2-2.
The form of both sides would suggest a fast counter attacking game with both sides battling for control of the football however at Anfield the SAS Suarez and Strurridge partnership are outstanding and it is hard to see Arsenal keeping them quiet as they did in the reverse fixture at the Emirates.
Liverpool should have too much firepower for the Gunners at Anfield and with the must win tag being widely lauded on this one it should prove to be game of the weekend, particularly for the neutrals.
Stats courtesy of: WhoScored.com
Source: DSG
