Liverpool vs Arsenal meet at Anfield in a pre-Christmas cracker (Picture: Getty)
Danny Murphy has confidently predicted Arsenal will fail to end their Anfield hoodoo when the Premier League’s top two meet on Saturday.
Liverpool’s title charge has largely been built on the strength of their home form with last weekend’s stalemate against Manchester United representing the first time they have failed to win at fortress Anfield this season.
A much-changed Reds line-up cantered to a 5-1 win over West Ham last night as Jurgen Klopp’s side powered into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Arsenal, meanwhile, capitalised on a rare Liverpool slip-up by beating Brighton to move back to the top of the table and can underline their title credentials by recording a first win at Anfield since 2012.
The Gunners threw away a 2-0 lead in the corresponding fixture last season and Murphy fears their opponents will relish Arsenal going toe-to-toe with them, rather than employ the ultra cautious tactics United used to frustrate Liverpool.
He told Vibe with Five: ‘I think it’s a bigger surprise if Arsenal win there than if Liverpool beat Arsenal, especially with their record there.
‘Even last year they went 2-0 up and threw it away and should’ve lost.
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‘I don’t think if either loses you can write them off completely. I think it’s a bigger game for Liverpool after the United game to actually send a message.
‘I think for Liverpool in terms of confidence, Arsenal you can see what they’re doing and they’ve only lost two.
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‘But they’ve been close and gave Villa their best game. For Liverpool it’s really important and I don’t see them losing, they won’t lose.
‘Arsenal won’t shut up shop. Who is going to stop Salah? Zinchenko is a teriffic footballer but he’s not as good defensively as Tomiyasu.
‘Both ways Arsenal have a go and I see goals but when teams come to Anfield and have a go, Liverpool end up on top, hence they’ve not lost there this season.’
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