Arsenal v Liverpool
Carling Cup Fourth Round
Emirates Stadium
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Kick-off: 1945 GMT

A week ago both Liverpool were dreading this fixture, an unwelcome distraction in a tough schedule with morale at Anfield low and Arsenal’s star on the rise.

What difference a week makes. Arsenal’s last two games have produced draws, with Arsenal taking the lead in both games only to concede near the end and draw. Liverpool on the other hand have won a big game over the weekend, and with players coming back from injury, they will fancy their chances against Arsenal’s fringe players.

Watch Arsenal vs Liverpool live in the Carling Cup by signing up to view the best football feeds online with the Live Sport Network.

Arsenal Preview

Arsene Wenger’s policy of blooding youngsters in the Carling Cup has been praised in the past and Arsenal on Wednesday will again be a blend of experience and youth, with those on the fringe of the first team and those players returning from injury likely to play a role.

Samir Nasri, Lukasz Fabianski, Mikael Silvestre and Philippe Senderos, Eduardo, Bendtner and Fran Merida are all expected to start for Arsenal, although Jack Wilshere is out with an ankle problem.

Wenger said last week that the current Arsenal side was good enough to win a trophy this season – and while some punters will be betting against it, a win tonight against Liverpool will take them one step closer to that goal.

Liverpool Preview

Liverpool are still without Steven Gerrard and Albert Riera while Fernando Torres is likely to rested with an eye on the away game to Fulham on the weekend. Javier Mascherano is suspended, so it will be interesting to see who Rafa picks to partner with Lucas in central midfield.

Andrea Dossena, Sotirios Kyrgiakos and Alberto Aquilani are all part of the squad for the Carling Cup game, having recovered from their injuries. Aquilani is unlikely to start but is likely to get minutes on the pitch.

Liverpool, who beat Manchester United on Sunday, are the most successful club in League Cup history and are bidding to lift the trophy for a record eighth time.

But the omens are against them ahead of their trip to the capital. Liverpool have been knocked out of this competition by London clubs in each of the last five seasons, suffering defeats against Chelsea (twice), Arsenal, Tottenham and Crystal Palace.

Arsenal v Liverpool Prediction

Liverpool are unbeaten in the last seven league and cup matches between these clubs, although five have been drawn. On the other hand, Arsenal, the 1987 and 1993 winners, have reached at least the last eight in each of the last six seasons, and the Gunners have a 100% home record this season, having won all of their seven matches at the Emirates Stadium.

Furthermore, whenever both these teams have been tested away from home against big teams, they have been found wanting (Liverpool against Chelsea, Arsenal against the Manchester teams).

Given that Arsenal have home advantage, this should be tight win for Arsenal.

Prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Arsenal v Liverpool Betting

This game will have goals in it and a late finish – that’s how games between the Big Four have traditionally played out over the last few seasons.

Keeping that in mind, Soccerlens will be buying the Total Goal Minutes spread (131-141) and also the Last Match Goal (61-64).

We’re also expecting the result to be determined with 90 minutes, so we are also selling the HT-FT Double: Draw & Draw (21-23).

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And if you need any help in understanding spread betting, just follow the demo on Sporting Index.

Please ensure you understand the risks with sports spread betting as it involves a high level of risk and you can lose more than your original stake. Remember to bet responsibly.

Watch Arsenal v Liverpool Live Online

Watch Arsenal vs Liverpool live in the Carling Cup by signing up to view the best football feeds online with the Live Sport Network.