Liverpool are very much second favourites for Thursday evening’s clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
In an ideal world, the Reds would have been heading to North London within touching distance of the Premier League leaders.
However, Liverpool are still paying for an autumn collapse, and having failed to fully address their poor form, they sit 14 points behind the Gunners ahead of Thursday’s game.
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RTK predicted XI vs Arsenal
RTK predicted XI vs Arsenal
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Not many supporters will be hopeful of Liverpool securing a draw, much less a win, as they aim to put a dent in Arsenal’s title charge.
However, history is potentially in the Reds’ favour, and they will take to the Emirates pitch aiming to extend two impressive head-to-head records against Arsenal.
Liverpool are Arsenal’s least favourite opponents
If Liverpool fans are going into the match in poor spirits, then there may also be a nervousness from supporters of the hosts.
Yes, they are five points clear of Manchester City and look good to win a first Premier League since 2004, but that may be exactly why they are concerned.
Martin Zubimendi challenges for the ball with Hugo Ekitike during Arsenal's Premier League match against Liverpool at Anfield.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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After City’s draw against Brighton on Wednesday, the Liverpool fixture looks even bigger than before, and the history books suggest that they could not be facing worse opposition.
As per Liverpoolfc.com, Arsenal have lost their joint-most Premier League matches against Liverpool having been beaten 26 times by both the Reds and Manchester United.
Furthermore, no team has completed more than the seven league doubles Liverpool have against Arsenal. That number is already a record, with the Reds aiming to make it eight following victory at Anfield in August.
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Hugo Ekitike during Liverpool v Leeds United - Premier League
Credit: Jan Kruger/Getty Images
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How can Liverpool beat Arsenal?
Back when the Premier League fixtures were announced over the summer, many fans would have had this one circled as a big game in the title race.
That it is not is solely down to the collapse Liverpool have suffered in the intervening months.
Based on form alone, the Reds have absolutely no chance of getting anything at all from their trip to the capital on Thursday.
Nevertheless, they clearly have a historical preference for playing Arsenal, and perhaps if they can hold onto a clean sheet for an hour or more of the game, nerves will start to spread around the Emirates.
From there, Liverpool will have to bank on the individual quality of their players to hopefully nick them an unlikely point or even better. There is a way they can sneak something here, but if Arsenal play at their best, it is hard to see the Reds getting anything.
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