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Steve Nicol shares his prediction for Arsenal vs Liverpool today
Steve Nicol has shared his prediction for when Arsenal host Liverpool in a mouthwatering clash at the top of the Premier League table later today.
It really does feel like a particularly massive game for Arsenal at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta‘s men are five points adrift of Liverpool right now.
They will also briefly leave Manchester City with two games in hand after Sunday’s game. So it will be a big setback if they do not at least go above them in the short-term.
Steve Nicol expects Arsenal and Liverpool to draw on Sunday
It was Liverpool who took the spoils when the same two teams met in the FA Cup in North London last month. However, the Reds’ victory does not tell the full story from the tie.
Arsenal created a host of brilliant chances during the first-half, with Kai Havertz one of those to really struggle in front of goal. And they were punished after the break.
Speaking on , Nicol is clearly concerned about the Gunners not being so wasteful this time around as he predicted a draw between the two.
“It’s tough to separate them. I think the fact that Arsenal are at home is why I’ve gone for the draw. Sitting at the top of the league, you’re playing against one of your competitors for the league, and you’re away from home; I don’t think Liverpool lose. I just don’t think they lose. I’m not so sure that they win though,” he said.
“The only thing that worries me is the fact that Liverpool will go and try and play. And Arsenal, they’ve struggled so much this year with breaking teams down because they haven’t had any space. The thing is Liverpool are going to give them space because there’s no question that Liverpool will go forward in numbers. And that will give the space to people like Martinelli and Saka who haven’t quite been at their best this year. So that’s the one thing that worries me about Arsenal. But I think it’s tight. And the fact that it is at Arsenal, that’s why I’ve gone for a draw.”
Chance to make a huge statement
Obviously, nothing will be decided based on today’s result. However, both Arsenal and Liverpool will be aware that there is an opportunity to make a real statement.
Liverpool, in particular, will be delighted if they can put an eight point gap between themselves and the side who pushed Manchester City all the way last year.
But as Nicol’s prediction suggests, both teams have the potential to secure the victory if they manage to find their best form when the pressure is really on.