"We have a huge game" - Alan Shearer makes prediction for Arsenal vs Liverpool
Alan Shearer has predicted Liverpool to hold Arsenal to a draw this weekend in the Premier League. He believes both sides will get on the scoresheet but cancel each other out.
The Newcastle United legend stated that points would be shared at the Emirates this weekend in his Betfair column on Metro. Shearer claims that the Arsenal fans have become patient, and they need that atmosphere on Sunday (October 27) as well to ensure the side remains in the game. He wrote:
"We have a huge game on Sunday at the Emirates, and If Liverpool were to win and increase their gap to seven points over Arsenal, that would be huge after nine games. I was on commentary in the Champions League on Tuesday, and it was a good atmosphere at the Emirates."
"When Arsenal didn't score in the first 15 minutes, they stayed patient, the fans were patient, and it was massively important to get that result because they needed to bounce back. When you have a tough result at the weekend, you're desperate to get a game three days later because you need to rectify things, which Arsenal ultimately did."
"We said last week that Liverpool will face a huge test in Chelsea and they're about to face an even bigger test in Arsenal, away from home, which makes it even more difficult. I'm going to sit on the fence here though and say it'll be a score draw in a fantastic game at the Emirates."
Liverpool go into the game on top of the table – one point ahead of second-placed Manchester City. Arsenal are third in the table – four points behind the Reds and level on points with fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Rio Ferdinand backs Liverpool to beat Arsenal on Sunday
Rio Ferdinand was on TNT Sports earlier this week and predicted that Liverpool would be beating Arsenal. The former Manchester United defender claims that the injuries will be an issue for Arsenal and said:
"I think on form, momentum, I would say 100% L'pool. I think they're the team that you look at and go 'they're in a better position'. With injuries, Arsenal seem decimated in that sense, and they haven't got the momentum at the moment. They're not firing on all cylinders. They're not the Arsenal of last season at the moment."
"Liverpool, the tide has turned a bit right now. Brilliant few games into the season, but right now, I would say that L'pool are probably the favourites."
Arsenal are without William Saliba because of suspension while Bukayo Saka is in a race against time to get fit for the match. Martin Odegaard is still out after picking up an ankle injury in September and Riccardo Calafiori is also dealing with a knee injury.