Premier League: Liverpool head to Arsenal after City leave door open

Arsenal favourites for fourth

Two of the Premier League’s top four meet at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, as Arsenal host Liverpool in a crunch match for both sides.

The Gunners ended the weekend in fourth place thanks to a routine 2-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday afternoon. They have a one-point advantage over Manchester United in fifth despite having played three fewer games. Our traders now rate their chances of a top-four finish at 68%, with Man United available at 23%.

Arsenal have won each of their last five matches and have accumulated 28 points from the last 33 available. Liverpool, by way of contrast, have picked up 26 points in the same timeframe. That illustrates how well Mikel Arteta’s men have been playing over the last few months.

The Gunners will also draw confidence from their excellent home record this term. Only Liverpool and Manchester City have taken more points in front of their own fans, with Arsenal winning eight of their last 10 matches at the Emirates. At 2.06, consider Arsenal or a draw in the double chance market.

Liverpool can close gap at top

Liverpool are four points adrift of the summit of the standings, but they have the chance to close the gap to one on Wednesday. That would pile the pressure on Manchester City, who will welcome Jurgen Klopp’s side to the Etihad next month.

The Reds beat Brighton 2-0 at the weekend, which means they have now scored two or more goals in seven of their last nine Premier League matches. Arsenal, meanwhile, have found the back of the net in each of their last five outings.

We can therefore expect an entertaining affair on Wednesday night. Liverpool invariably look to go on the front foot whomever they are playing, while Arsenal now have the confidence to go toe-to-toe with the Premier League’s best teams – as they did in a narrow defeat by Manchester City on New Year’s Day. Go for both teams to score and over 2.5 goals at 1.96.

Alexandre Lacazette scored from the spot against Leicester on Sunday, and could strike again for the Gunners on Wednesday night

Lacazette can build on weekend goal

Alexandre Lacazette ended his goal drought against Leicester last time out. His second-half penalty was his first strike in seven Premier League games, although that is not a reflection on the Frenchman’s contributions to the team of late. Lacazette has impressed with his link-up play and his leadership from the front, while he was still getting into good positions even when the goals were not flowing.

Lacazette’s penalty at the weekend will have restored the striker’s self-belief, and there is reason to believe he could get on the scoresheet again when Liverpool come to town. With Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka supplying the ammunition, Lacazette is bound to have chances created for him. He is available at 2.88 to score anytime.

Recommended bets

BTTS/over 2.5 goals @ 1.96

Arsenal or draw @ 2.06

Lacazette anytime @ 2.88