Arsenal vs Liverpool Betting Odds - Fabregas, Gerrard players to watch at Anfield

Betting players should be treated to an exciting match at Anfield on Sunday, as in last year’s fixture, Arsenal and Liverpool fought to a thrilling 4-4 draw. The two square off once again, and Arsenal is battling a slew of injuries, while Liverpool has been inconsistent. The match will likely come down to the captains in the midfield.

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Gunners sit eight points behind Chelsea in third place, and they rebounded from a 3-0 home loss to the Blues with a 2-0 win at the Emirates over Stoke City, although they probably should have scored more. Liverpool is 12 points back in seventh, and they’re just aiming to secure a spot in next year’s Champions League as they were eliminated in a 2-1 home loss to Fiorentina on Wednesday. Arsenal can’t afford to drop many more points if they want to challenge for the title, but Liverpool can’t, either.

Betting Edge: Draw

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
With injuries to strikers Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendter, Arsenal lacks a finishing edge in front of goal. This leaves Andrei Arvashin, who scored against Stoke and notched all four goals against Liverpool in last year’s trip to Anfield, and captain Cesc Fabregas, who missed a penalty against Stoke but is still the heart of the attack from his advanced midfield position. Theo Walcott could get a start this week as well, especially as Tomas Rosicky is injured once again. The Reds got a boost when Fernando Torres was subbed on for Dirk Kuyt in the 65th minute of their loss to Fiorentina, and having him back at full strength would be massive for Liverpool’s sportsbook odds. Liverpool needed an own goal and a Kuyt marker in a 2-0 win at rival Everton last week, while Yossi Benayoun scored in midweek, but Liverpool works best when the axis of Torres and captain Steven Gerrard are playing.

Betting Edge: Arsenal

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Arsenal’s defense looked solid against Stoke, but it’s not like their opposition were an offensive juggernaut. The Gunners are seventh in the league in goals allowed, but they still struggle to stop teams from set pieces, and a physical side can outmuscle them to the ball. Liverpool has allowed just two more goals than Arsenal in the league, and they haven’t given up a goal in their last two Premiership league matches. Jamie Carragher and keeper Pepe Reina didn’t play against Fiorentina, which means they should be rested for this game, and Carragher has played well after a slow start to the campaign.

Betting Edge: Draw

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Aside from van Persie (ankle), Bendter (hernia), Rosicky (groin) and Gael Clichy (back) being out, Armand Traore (hamstring) and William Gallas (hamstring) are struggling to get fit for this match, along with Abou Diaby (calf). Ryan Babel (ankle) is very doubtful for this match.

Betting Edge: Liverpool

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting odds maker breakdown: Totals
Six of the last 10 meetings between these two have gone over the posted total, and the return of Torres to the lineup gives Liverpool an attacking edge, although it remains to be seen how much he plays after playing only 25 minutes against Fiorentina. Arsenal can still put the ball in the net as well.

Pick: OVER 2.5

Arsenal vs Liverpool betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
Five of the last 10 meetings between these two have ended in a draw, with Arsenal winning three games to Liverpool’s two. If this game is half as exciting as last year’s game at Anfield, when Arvashin singlehandedly lifted Arsenal to a 4-4 draw, then sports betting players are in for a treat. It’s usually open when these two get together, and the matchup of Fabregas and Gerrard in the midfield should be a joy to watch. However, two of Arsenal’s three losses on the road have come at Manchester United and Manchester City, and Liverpool has won four and drawn two of their seven matches at Anfield. Arsenal is still a young team, and being on the road against decent clubs seems to bother them.

TODD’S PICK: Liverpool +125

For more sports betting tips and picks on the biggest matches in England, check out Todd each week in the Betting Edge at BetOnline.