ENGLISH FA CUP BETTING PICK - LIVERPOOL V ARSENAL

English FA CUP

2007-01-06 - Liverpool vs Arsenal

A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner

LIVERPOOL

Liverpool begin their defence of the FA Cup with a big game as they host the 2005 winners Arsenal in the "match of the round" at Anfield.

The Reds will be confident of getting a good result, as they're unbeaten at Anfield so far this season, and have a very solid defensive screen when playing in front of the kop.

Liverpool Home Form (H 9-2-0 23:3)
01/01/07 W 3-0 v Bolton
23/12/06 W 2-0 v Watford
09/12/06 W 4-0 v Fulham
29/11/06 D 0-0 v Portsmouth
25/11/06 W 1-0 v Man_City
04/11/06 W 2-0 v Reading

However, Arsenal will be the biggest test of that record so far this season as Liverpool's home fixture list has been somewhat less than taxing.

ARSENAL

Arsenal have been playing well considering the long term absence of Thierry Henry, and the return of the French striker in midweek when he helped Arsenal to a 4-0 home win over Charlton underlined his importance.

However, Arsenal will have to do without suspended pair Robin van Persie and Cesc Fabregas for this cup game, and these two players will be a significant absence for the London club.

Theo Walcott and William Gallas will also miss out although both players are earmarked for the Carling Cup clash on Tuesday, and so much of Arsenal's hopes will rest with Henry.

Arsenal Away Form (A 5-1-5 13:11)
30/12/06 L 0-1 v Sheff_Utd
26/12/06 W 2-1 v Watford
13/12/06 W 1-0 v Wigan
10/12/06 D 1-1 v Chelsea
29/11/06 L 1-2 v Fulham
25/11/06 L 1-3 v Bolton

But the Gunners have done well on their toughest trips this season winning 1-0 at Old Trafford, and drawing 1-1 at Stamford Bridge, so this is not a "sure thing" for the home side.

HEAD TO HEAD

Liverpool just manage to shade the Gunners here at Anfield with three victories in the last six occasions here including the last two in a row - although last seasons 1-0 win came via a stunning effort from Luis Garcia with literally the last kick of the match.

Head to Head Form (3-1-2)
14/02/06 Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
28/11/04 Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
04/10/03 Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
29/01/03 Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
23/12/01 Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
23/12/00 Liverpool 4-0 Arsenal

It's a different story in London with Arsenal winning the last four games there - so it's easy to see how the venue is important.

THE VERDICT

It's a big match between two of England's top 4 sides, and with just one point separating these two sides, the venue and Liverpool's home advantage has to be the key in forecasting a result.

Liverpool have to be marked as significant favourites, although Henry has the ability to beat any side, and he could prove to be a thorn in the plans of the home side.

The Pick :

BEST BETTING TIP :

I'll suggest taking Liverpool to win at the price of 2.10 which is available generally.

For fellow Gooners I feel that the best bet would be a bet on Thierry Henry scoring anytime (available at 3.00 at Eurobet) rather than a bet on the result.

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