LeeDixon

What a week it's been for these two giants of English football.

Liverpool won the first piece of silverware of the new Kenny Dalglish era after holding their nerve during the Carling Cup penalty shootout while five-star Arsenal destroyed Spurs to rise above Chelsea into fourth spot in the Premier League.

It sets up a fine opener to a big weekend in England's top division.

Match Odds

I was at The Emirates on Sunday and the Arsenal fans were nervous before the game. For the first 25 minutes or so it seemed their worries were justified as a disaster appeared to unfold before our eyes. But the Gunners showed incredible spirit to bounce back and putting five goals past Brad Friedel was like something out of a dream. Any result like that is a huge confidence boost but the defence still worries me. The back four were dragged around at times by Spurs and I hope that, between the internationals, they were able to work on it as they look vulnerable.

Liverpool weren't totally convincing against Cardiff but a trophy is a trophy and Kenny will not let the players get carried away by last Sunday's result. It probably helps that, in Arsenal, his side face a rival for a Champions League place. That will focus the mind nicely and it should be a great game.

I'm a bit worried about jumping on the Arsenal bandwagon after such an eye-catching result, especially bearing in mind that Liverpool are the home side, but I think there may mileage in laying the Merseyside outfit at close to even money. Arsene Wenger's men were unbeaten in the Premier League in February while Anfield's finest could suffer a psychological hangover after their Wembley exertions.

And we'll leave the final word to Opta - six of the last nine Premier League games between these two have ended as draws.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

While the Arsenal defence concerns me, I don't think there will be many goals in this one. Liverpool have generally found scoring tough in the league and the personnel in the Arsenal defence are better than the collective performs. They simply have to get better. A final score of 1-1 seems about right and I think unders is the play here at around even money.

Halftime Result

I'd be very surprised if this one matched up to last weekend's drama and I can see a bit of value about the half-time draw at Anfield, with a more attritional battle predicted.

Recommended Bets
2pts Lay Liverpool @ 2.06
2pts Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.04
2pts Back Half-time Draw @ 2.4

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