Arsenal v Liverpool

Saturday lunch time sees the first clash of the new season between Premier League big guns. This fixture ended in acrimony back in April when Dirk Kuyt equalised in the 102nd minute, leading to a spat between Wenger and Dalglish at the final whistle. That moment summed up the way things were going at the two clubs. The Reds were revived under their returning manager while the Gunners’ title challenge disintegrated with a further two points dropped.

A few months on and Liverpool still seem to be in the ascendancy with a string of new signings eager to impress, while Arsenal struggle to cope with the loss of their biggest stars. With momentum, and fewer significant injury concerns, this looks like the perfect opportunity for the Merseysiders to put down a marker. I’m backing them to win 2-1 at best odds of 12/1 with Totesport. It’s good value, a consequence of the away side being slightly dubious underdogs.

After Dalglish grabbed the reigns again, back in January, great results against the top sides became commonplace. Man Utd were beaten 3-1 and Man City 3-0 on their trips to Anfield. Even better, and more relevantly, Chelsea were overcome 1-0 at Stamford Bridge before the commendable 1-1 draw at the Emirates. Since then, considerable money has been splashed on Downing, Adam, Henderson and Jose Enrique. The new personnel looked inspired in the first half against Sunderland but not surprisingly a great 90 minute performance was asking too much at the first competitive attempt.

Arsenal have had another horrible week with Fabregas out the door and Nasri surely to follow. The 1-0 Champions League qualifier win over Udinese will have done little to improve morale; the result was flattering to the home side and much work is still to be done over in Italy.

Wenger will be relieved to have got away with that one, but anxious as to what Suarez and Carroll might do on Saturday. The January additions are starting to gel and it would be no surprise to see them make an impact at the Emirates. The team news only adds to the sense of foreboding for the Londoners. Jack Wilshere will probably miss out again, along with Diaby, while Gervinho and Song are suspended.

Worrying times indeed for Wenger. Back a bad week to get worse for him, and take the 12/1 on Liverpool to win 2-1 with Totesport.