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There’s nothing like a second leg where everything is still in the balance because it actually resembles cup football then rather than two teams tiptoeing around an aggregate scoreline that provides them with some sort of mental block – as if goals meant any more or any less.
Arsenal v Liverpool – Carabao Cup semi-final, second leg (Agg: 0-0)
Thursday, January 20: 7.45pm
Sky Sports Football
These teams probably need this cup final for very different reasons. Firstly, Arsenal could probably convince a few people they’re turning a corner but a landmark win and a cup final would go a long way to cementing that. Liverpool? The title is slowly slipping away from them and while AFCON is on, that seems like it could hamper them even further. This can both stop the rot and give the entire squad a tangible day to look forward to.
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Arsenal or the Draw
It would be a beautiful situation for Arsenal to be down Granit Xhaka and up Martin Odegaard and to finally turn the screw on a big side all in one go.
Perhaps it would signal a turning point for a club that have relied on subpar performers to tie them over in midfield only to frequently lose out in the big moments because of it.
I don’t fully believe they can win this game in 90 minutes though, so I’ll be quite content with taking the draw as a fallback if needed.
Under 2.5 Goals
And the way Arsenal get a result here is due to there not being an influx of goals to contend with. If this is an open contest, it’s curtains for Arsenal.
But as seen in the first leg, when things get tetchy and they’re allowed to break, things look up fairly fast. Arsenal getting players back from Covid isolation and injury should ensure they’re well-rested and ready to at least outrun The Reds.
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Martin Odegaard Anytime Assist
If there’s a lock to be picked, one player who can do so for Arsenal in a central area is the Norwegian prince. He’s been designated the understudy simply because of Erling Haaland’s existence, which is unfortunate.
The London busses situation of Scandinavian footballers.
Diogo Jota to Have 1 or More Shots on Target
It’s a lot of pressure to be try and replace Mo Salah. It’s perhaps even more pressure to try and replace Salah and Sadio Mane.
And yet here he finds himself, still undermined because he played for Wolves, and ready to shoot on sight to dispel those associations.
Arsenal v Liverpool Bet Builder tips
Arsenal or the Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Martin Odegaard Anytime Assist
Diogo Jota to Have 2 or More Shots
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