EFL Cup semi-final: Arsenal and Liverpool to produce goals

Arsenal were the happier of the two teams after last week's first leg at Anfield. Granit Xhaka was shown a red card in the 24th minute, handing Liverpool a major boost. But despite their numerical advantage, Jurgen Klopp's side couldn't find a way through.

Arsenal have become a steelier, more streetwise force under Mikel Arteta, and they defended with discipline and diligence to keep the Reds at bay. Perhaps a full-strength Liverpool team would have prised open the visitors' rearguard, but without Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane the hosts weren't quite as sharp in the final third.

The early red card changed the dynamic of the first leg, which was always likely to be more cagey with one match still to come. Thursday's game should be different.

The first goal of the tie will leave one team playing catch-up. That, combined with the two teams' attacking firepower, suggests we could be in for a high-scoring affair. Our traders price over 3.5 goals at 2.96, which looks like excellent value.

Relentless Liverpool have strength in depth to triumph

It's not exactly new information that Liverpool are a better team when Salah and Mane are fit and available. The pair will be at the Africa Cup of Nations for another week at least, and Jurgen Klopp will have to continue using alternatives until their return.

Liverpool certainly didn't miss the dynamic duo on Sunday, when they put Brentford to the sword without breaking sweat. A 3-0 victory was secured with three different scorers, as Fabinho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Takumi Minamino all found the net.

A front three of Roberto Firmino, Diogo Jota and Oxlade-Chamberlain might not be first choice, but most teams in the Premier League would be delighted with that triumvirate at the top of the pitch.

Don't miss out on a generous price of 3.1 on Liverpool scoring either side of half-time, which will be even more attractive if Arsenal are unable to get enough players back following their successful request for Sunday's north London derby to be postponed.

Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette will be hoping to be on the scoresheet after drawing a blank at Anfield

Expect a fast start

Xhaka is suspended for this second leg, so the chances of either side being reduced to 10 men after a rash challenge or a moment of madness are reduced. Provided this stays 11 against 11, we can expect both Arsenal and Liverpool to look to make a fast start.

These are two teams who thrive in transition. Arsenal in particular can sometimes struggle to break down deep defences, but scoring first would open up more space in behind a Liverpool side who would be obliged to push even higher up the pitch.

We didn't get any goals in 90 minutes at Anfield last Thursday, but there's reason to believe we could be treated to at least two in the opening 45 minutes at the Emirates. Back over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.52.

Recommended bets

Over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.52

Liverpool to score in both halves at 3.1

Over 3.5 goals at 2.96