Arsenal legend Ian Wright has made his prediction for the Gunners’ Premier League clash against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Gunners suffered a shock defeat to Fleetwood Town (on penalties) in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Tuesday night. They lacked the cutting edge in the final third and missed six big chances.
The club have no time to ponder over the surprise loss, given they have a huge league game against Liverpool at Anfield, where they have not tasted victory since a 2-0 win in September 2012.
Speaking on The Overlap, Wright made his prediction for the game. He was leaning towards a stalemate but ultimately said the Gunners will end their Anfield hoodoo with a 2-1 victory.
He said: “I think we beat them. This is the game that kind of defines Liverpool if they are coming back. You are looking at Mac Allister, even Gakpo [to step up]. I think we will get a draw out of this game… but deep down, I would have went 2-1. I really think we beat them.”
Arsenal face difficult Anfield test on Sunday
The Gunners have struggled to pick up wins at the Etihad Stadium and Anfield for more than a decade. Anfield has been a tough ground for them, and we expect something similar this weekend.
Arsenal suffered a shock defeat at Fleetwood, which will have demoralised the squad. Liverpool, on the other hand, should be on a high after beating Chelsea to reach the League Cup quarter-final.
Alexander Isak looks back to his best, and he has been Arsenal’s prime nemesis lately. The Gunners could not cope with him during the Carabao Cup semi-final ties against Newcastle United during the 2024/25 season.
If Liverpool play on the counter-attack (which they could do), it could bring out the best in Isak. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes must be vigilant and nullify the Swede’s goalscoring threat.
If the Gunners do so, they could register their first win at Anfield in 14 years. In our opinion, a draw seems a more likely outcome. It could end up as a cagey affair with both teams cancelling each other out.
A stellar Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick was the difference between the clubs at Anfield last term. The teams played out a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium with Liverpool having zero shots on target.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com