The Japan Times - Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher split on Liverpool-Arsenal prediction

Liverpool host Arsenal at the weekend (Picture: Getty) Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher have made their predictions for Sunday’s huge Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal. Arsenal moved level on points with league leaders Manchester City after a routine 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. But the Gunners were brought crashing down to earth in midweek after they suffered a shock defeat on penalties to League Two side Fleetwood Town in the Carabao Cup.

Mikel Arteta’s side were runners-up in the competition last season, but will now have to look elsewhere if they are to continue adding to their trophy cabinet this season. Liverpool, Separately, booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-final after a penalty shootout victory against Chelsea on Wednesday. Andoni Iraola’s side have now won five straight matches in all competitions, and will look to build on that momentum when they host the Gunners at Anfield at the weekend.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s thunderous free-kick secured Liverpool a 1-0 victory when the two sides met on Merseyside last season, and Carragher has backed his former side to get the better of Arsenal once again. Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb free-kick helped Liverpool beat Arsenal last season (Picture: Getty) Asked for his prediction on The Overlap, Carragher said: ‘I’ll go 2-1, Liverpool.’ A win for Liverpool would move them within three points of Arsenal in the league table, but Wright is confident that Arteta’s side will prevail this time around. ‘I think we beat them,’ the former Gunners striker said. ‘This is the game that kind of defines Liverpool if they are coming back. ‘You’re looking at Mac Allister, even Gakpo [to step up]… but deep down, I really think we beat them. 2-1 Arsenal.’ Szoboszlai, Liverpool’s match winner last season, is facing a battle to be fit for Sunday’s clash along with Victor Munoz, who has missed the Reds’ last three matches. Arsenal, Separately, could be without Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice and Noni Madueke after all three missed Tuesday’s defeat to Fleetwood.

K.Tanaka--JT