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Arsenal v Liverpool: Gunners to take all three points

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TQ previews part two of the Arsenal v Liverpool trilogy and thinks the [2.04] on an Arsenal win is an offer Betfair customers just can't refuse

It might not be Godfather Part II but the second part of the Arsenal - Liverpool trilogy has all the makings of a great sequel to what was a night of high drama on Wednesday night. Incessant Arsenal pressure in the second half was not enough to force a winner and part one ended with the scoreline all square.

On Saturday the teams go head to head once again at the Emirates Stadium for what is a crucial Premier League encounter. With only six league games left in the season this clash will be viewed by both teams as critical in terms of what is the likely end result for their season. Should Liverpool win then they will fancy they can catch the Gunners for third, should they lose however that brings Everton right back into the race for fourth and of course an Arsenal victory is essential if they are to harbour any hopes of securing the league title.

It is difficult to know how much of Wednesday's game to read into the league encounter but you must always assume that neither team will be taking their foot of the pedal. Early rumours suggest that Benitez may rest some of his stars and whilst it is likely he won't field the same starting line-up as in the Champions League I can't see him simply giving up on this game. However, with Mascherano suspended Liverpool do lose a certain amount of protection in the midfield and that may prove key in determining the outcome of this match.

The Match Odds for this match takes on a different look to that of last Wednesday's game. Arsenal started that match at odds of [2.32] but seem likely to start the league at around [2.08]. This does seem like a rather large drop in price over such short a period of time but there are many extenuating factors. Liverpool's possible weakened team is certainly affecting the odds, as is the fact that these two teams have played twice this year and although both have ended in a draw Arsenal have undoubtedly been the dominant side. Although the odds are a little shorter than I would like I really do think that Arsenal will be victorious on Saturday and come away with a much needed three points.

Goals were something we were not really expecting on Wednesday but there is every reason to believe that Saturday's game will have a very different feel. Arsenal have a tremendous goal scoring record and with some of the pressure off I expect a free flowing game that may just find the Over 2.5 Goals layers out. At current odds of [2.48], Over 2.5 Goals is just too big and is a must bet for this match.

With goals on the menu and Arsenal the more likely of the teams to get them we can now set about finding the first one to get on the scoresheet. Adebayor is likely to start but has a slight knock and I think the Gunners main threat will come from the midfield. Hleb is likely to play in an advanced role and will cause Liverpool plenty of bother but it Cesc Fabregas that makes most appeal. He was unlucky not to score on Wednesday night and as the player most likely to pull the trigger in Arsenal's side he is the man to be on to break the deadlock on Saturday.

The final recommendation for the match is to lay the '9pts and Above' option in the Bookings Odds market. Surprisingly there were no bookings in the match in midweek and as such no scores to settle. Phil Dowd is the man in the middle and although he was the centre of attention earlier in the season it appears that his superiors may have had a word as the cards have dried up recently. I expect a free flowing game with little need for the card so the lay of 9pts and Above is a must bet at [2.46].

In a great weekend of sport this match has all the hallmarks of a cracking prelude to what promises to be a weekend full of high drama. Expect Arsenal to come out on top and for the goals to flow in part two of Arsenal - Liverpool: The Trilogy.