Liverpool - Arsenal 11-05-25

For a long time, this was a battle between two horses. One horse had a new driver, the other had the same driver as last year, but with faith that they would finally take the last step. The polished driver flew over the finish line first, while he with the raven-black welds again had to realize that the horse would turn into glue. There has been a lot of that kind at Arsenal in recent years. There are not many parades, and the fans are starting to lose faith. Or do they really? It seems as if Arteta has a fairly good amount of trust out there, and you may feel that only a piece or two is missing. If they are going to last the race, these pieces should probably come this summer, and by all means, the supporting pillars must remain.

 

Liverpool celebrated number 20, and seemed to care in the middle of the back against Chelsea last time. The third loss of the season became a fact, without anyone seeming to care much. Slot rotated the team, and with the answer in hand, you now understand a little more why it has not been done more frequently throughout the season. The entire midfield was placed on the bench, while Quansah got the nod in central defense. He probably won't do that against Arsenal. Another who may have to find a place on the far side of the bench is Trent Alexander-Arnold. It will be important for Slot to see more of Bradley's level ahead of the upcoming season, and a Trent with a white shirt under the red shirt doesn't give many answers in that regard. Trent has won a good number of titles for his childhood club, and no one should slaughter players who want new challenges. Yes, the team is losing a dimension, because that right foot is second to none. The passes in the back to Salah will be missed, how he turns the game with a slightly ingenious long ball will be missed, and he also takes his set-piece foot down to Madrid. Bradley can go far with his own approach to football, and it is questionable whether Slot does not think that a new first choice is not needed. Something to look out for for the football-interested couch-sitter in the last league rounds for the Reds.

 

Arsenal will stand guard for Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. Either they do so with a ticket to the Champions League final in their pocket, or they will stand there, sloppy, after another missed opportunity. The tone could mean a lot for the match between England's two best football teams. The game in Paris is now over, and Arsenal are out. How they will feel the physical and mental setback leading up to this weekend's big game remains to be seen.

 

Liverpool – Has the winning streak worn off now?

 

The match against Chelsea had the feel of a team that had dropped their shoulders and let the champagne flow freely. It wasn't the usual sharpness, and neither were the usual faces. Slot gave Elliot, Endo and Jones their chance in midfield. It didn't quite work. The gap to Gravenberch, Mac Allister and Szoboszlai is large, and the latter trio is expected to start again on Sunday. Gravenberch was given a full rest against Chelsea, but is reported to be injury-free and ready for duty. With all the minutes the Dutchman has had in his legs this season, it was probably entirely appropriate that Slot let the retrained midfield anchor lie flat on the couch for once.

 

In defense, we have mentioned that Bradley may now be considered ahead of Alexander-Arnold. The former is the future, the latter is packing the moving load. Konate will probably take the place next to van Dijk again, and up top, there is enough space for Diaz. The Colombian has the intensity needed, and together with Gakpo and Salah, he forms Liverpool's most potent attacking trio.

 

The match also has significance for Liverpool. Yes, maybe not in terms of position and points, but this is the match that should decide everything. Liverpool want to show that they are the best football team on the ball island this season, and the occasion at home is perfect for just that. Mohamed Salah is still on a record hunt, and where there was a feeling of having celebrated the title against Chelsea, the team is probably more fired up again now. Anfield is still the place where matches should not be taken lightly, at least not when the toughest competitor of the season is visiting.

 

Arsenal – Another season without silverware

 

It doesn't seem to be happening for Arsenal. They were so close in the Champions League now. Just one hurdle away from the final. But, no. The big bucket is not meant for the Gunners. It obviously hurts both players and fans to see the team fall short season after season. You may have also seen a slight downward trend recently. Important players are out with injuries, yes, but those who are supposed to carry the load have not been at their sharpest either. Captain Martin can't do it, and Saliba in central defense makes junior mistakes. Then a lot will be up to guys like Rice and Saka. The total doesn't hold up, and thus you are out of Europe just before the party is about to start, while the league was almost over again. How are you now after the last three league games?

 

Because in the domestic league, they are still in a good position when it comes to Champions League tickets. Second place is relatively safe, but it doesn't take more than two losses against Liverpool and Newcastle before things can look a little more unclear. Of course, it helps to know that they face Southampton in the last round of the league. No, Arsenal will finish in the top five, and they will get another shot at the biggest trophy next season.

 

The league form is completely even. Several draws, a win against Ipswich, and a humiliating loss at home to Bournemouth. The focus has been elsewhere in recent weeks. The fact is that the last three games in all competitions have been lost. That does something to the self-confidence. In addition, you have to go home from Paris, knowing that the adventure is over, try to recover in time, and then make the trip up to Anfield to stand guard of honor for Salah and the rest of the Reds. It can be tough.

 

Arsenal need to find their footing quickly, but we think Sunday might be a bit too fast for tired players. Thursday will be spent recovering, and so will Friday. Saturday will be a light training session, before heading north. It is questionable whether this will come a bit too close to the slump under the floodlights on Wednesday night in Paris.

 

Conclusion – Bragging rights and pride

 

For Liverpool, nothing is necessary at this point. The league is won, they are at the top of the table, and who cares if it will be 88, 90 or 92 points when the season is over. Yes, Salah wants more goals, but he always wants that. What still makes us choose to land on Liverpool winning this one is several aspects. The first is the home field advantage. The fans want to see the league winners beat Arsenal in their own big room. It will be the final point that they were the best this season. There is a bit of pride and ambition in this match.

 

The next thing is the mental state of the teams. Liverpool are champions, Arsenal have lost again, on two fronts. Can they really turn it around in a few days? It seems tough. The home team has now got their bearings and are probably ready to take on Arsenal.

 

The wear and tear is a bit different. The away team was also the away team on Wednesday, where they fought tooth and nail until the very end. It will be noticeable. The trip itself is also a strain. Tired football bodies at this stage of the season need more rest. Arsenal's squad is also no deeper than the same guys having to go out to fight again. Liverpool, for their part, have had a whole week off, some even longer than that. Gravenberch has had two weeks off, while the rest of the midfield only played minutes against Chelsea. The same was true for Konate and Diaz. There should be a difference in how ready you are when the game starts on Sunday.

 

We therefore land on a tick H on the coupon. It is difficult to say how ready Arsenal are to fight. They will most likely secure second place anyway if they beat Newcastle at home and take care of Southampton in the last round. With that in mind, Arteta's tired men must not arrange any points at Anfield on Sunday. Watch out for the Egyptian. He has had some matches where he has not been at his best now, but he likes to face Arsenal. I wonder if he will not get the run of a scoring record or two.

 

England at 17:30: Liverpool – Arsenal: Home win (2.10)

 

Alternative game

England at 17:30: Liverpool - Arsenal: Over 1.5 goals for Liverpool (1.82)