Champions League: Arsenal Must be Positive to Overcome Kop Challenge
April 7th, 2008
Dirk Kuyt’s equaliser for Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, has certainly put Liverpool on pole position to qualify.
While the Reds could be content to sit back and play out a goalless draw on Tuesday night, the Gunners have to score to stand any chance of progressing. Though their recent domestic form suggests they should be under-dogs, they did produce two out-standing wins in cup competitions at Anfield last season, winning 3-1 in the FA Cup and 6-3 in the League Cup, in games just three days apart.
Arsenal have several players surviving from the 2006 final defeat to Barcelona in Paris, but Liverpool have the greater experience, reaching the final in 2007 and 2005, when they beat AC Milan on penalties. On both occasions the Scousers came through all Premiership semi-finals against Chelsea, keeping clean sheets on both occasions at Anfield where more than anywhere else the crowd become the proverbial 12th man.
The sides shared another 1-1 draw in their Premiership fixture at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, which has almost certainly ended their title hopes. Elements of the home support vented frustration at players and coaching staff, leading to post match comments from Cesc Fabrgegas suggesting that the Gunners may actually benefit from playing away from the hyper-critical atmosphere of expectation. Rafa Benitez rested Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard who will be central figures.
PinnacleSports.com (top Asian Handicap sportsbook) price Liverpool slight favourites 2.050 (0/scratch & -0.5)* with Arsenal 1.877 (0/scratch & +0.5)*.
* Odds subject to change so check out the best prices live at the top online sportsbooks here at BookieLabRat.com.
Entry Filed under: European Football,Sports Betting
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