Game Week 21 Predictions: Arsenal to beat Liverpool

Premier League preview: Arsenal vs Liverpool at Emirates – Gunners eye 8-pt lead, Szoboszlai talks tough, Saka threat; verdict Arsenal win.

Arsenal's chance of extending their lead at the top will be tested by Liverpool on Thursday. Will Arsenal survive the test of the champions? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Arsenal vs Liverpool

Emirates Stadium

9:00pm

Manchester City slipped again on Wednesday night in front of the Etihad Stadium crowd, and it now feels like they have handed the title initiative to Arsenal after three straight draws.

Arsenal currently sits five points clear of the duo of Manchester City and Aston Villa, who both managed a point each in their respective fixtures on Wednesday, leaving the Gunners with a chance to extend their lead at the top to eight points.

While it’s still too early to hand anyone the title, an eight-point advantage at this stage could be pivotal. Will the younger Arsenal fans finally experience Arsenal winning the title in their lifetime? It all begins for them in this fixture at the Emirates against the champions.

Speaking of the champions, Hungarian playmaker Dominik Szoboszlai has been talking tough in the media, reminding Arsenal that no one wins the title in January and they will be playing against the champions at the Emirates, so they’d better be prepared.

Liverpool’s form isn’t the worst in the league. The Kops are unbeaten in their last five, with three of those games ending in wins; however, the champions have drawn their last two games, against Leeds United at Anfield and away at Craven Cottage, where a late Harrison Reed screamer handed Fulham a point.

Liverpool continues to miss Mohamed Salah, who is powering Egypt on at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, but they could also be without Hugo Ekitike for this one, as the French striker continues to struggle with muscle problems.

Liverpool has the chance to cut Aston Villa’s advantage in third to six points following Villa’s draw at Crystal Palace on Wednesday. The champions could move closer to the duo of Villa and City, but they must beat the log leaders who have the title in sight.

Arsenal’s injury woes are easing up, and Kai Havertz might be a part of the group at the weekend in their cup game against Portsmouth; however, you expect Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line again on Thursday, with Gabriel Jesus likely to start from the bench.

Bukayo Saka is one player the Kops cannot leave unattended. The England winger has enjoyed great days against Liverpool in the past; he will be a thorn in the flesh of the Liverpool left back all game long. Leandro Trossard is fit and available; he will be a problem at the other end.

Verdict: Arsenal to win.