EPL Preview 2-10-22

Liverpool v Leicester City

This is the marquee matchup of matchweek 24 in the Premier League. These two meet for the first time since Leicester scored a shock 1-0 victory over Liverpool when the Reds were in great form. That loss allowed Manchester City to break away in the title race and now Liverpool will be hoping to get a much needed 3 points to close the gap. Liverpool will be without two of their best players as Mohammed Salah is rested following a lengthy spell of leading Egypt at AFCON while Sadio Mane is still recovering from Cup glory as Senegal dispatched Salah’s side in the final on penalties. This isn’t much of a concern for Liverpool though because new signing Luis Diaz, a Columbian international who previously shined at FC Porto, will slot in with reliable goal scorer Diogo Jota on the other wing. Leicester are in a rough patch at the moment as they were thrashed by lower league side Nottingham Forest 4-1 on the weekend in the FA Cup. Brendan Rodgers' team has failed to live up to lofty preseason predictions as they are way down in the table at 12th and have had a very leaky defense. Liverpool is likely to strike multiple times but their high defensive line leaves them vulnerable to quick counters and the Foxes have a fast starting striker in Patson Daka who can sneak behind the defense.

The Bet: Both Teams to Score

Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Leicester City

Wolverhampton v Arsenal

While this match doesn’t feature the elite talent that the other game on today’s slate has, it is equally important for places in the table. Wolves and Arsenal sit 8th and 6th, respectively, in the table and both have legitimate chances at some form of European football next season. Wolverhampton has been particularly tough to break down this season. They have the best points to goals ratio in the league and are very comfortable in close, low scoring affairs. Arsenal meanwhile have been the definition of a roller coaster this season. They started the season in dreadful form, then went on a long hot streak, before settling back into a bit of poor form as they are winless in their last 4 matches in all competitions. Very little separates these two sides in my opinion and with the bewildering moves Arsenal made in the transfer window they now have very little depth which will limit the possibility of impact subs.

The Bet: Draw

Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Arsenal