We simulated Liverpool vs Arsenal to predict Premier League title clash

Liverpool face their toughest test of the Premier League season so far as they host title rivals Arsenal at Anfield[1] tonight. After a disappointing 0-0 draw against Manchester United in their last Premier League[2] outing, Liverpool[3] dropped to second in the table, with Arsenal reclaiming the top spot. But if the Reds can pick up three points this evening, they will be top of the league at Christmas.

And confidence should be high after the impressive 5-1 win at home to West Ham United on Wednesday[4]. That secured Liverpool's place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals and last-four showdown with Fulham. But Jurgen Klopp[5] is expected to make changes again, although Curtis Jones[6] could be pushing for another start after his brilliant brace against the Hammers.

So, could the Reds be top of the Premier League at Christmas? Let's take a look.

We simulated Liverpool vs Arsenal to get a score prediction

To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions. We predict that Liverpool could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Szoboszlai, Endo, Jones; Salah, Nunez, Diaz.

We predict that Arsenal could set up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their line-up as follows: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Havertz, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli.

Arsenal were the better side in the opening stages of the game and should have took advantage of their early domination when Martin Odegaard fired well over the bar from just six yards out. There wasn't much for Liverpool to be happy with in the first half, but not long after the restart, they took the lead.

A poor pass from Kai Havertz on the edge of the Arsenal box saw Dominik Szoboszlai[7] fire the ball back into the box, where Cody Gakpo[8] was able to pick up possession. The substitute ran through the area and breezed past two challenges before firing into the bottom corner to make it 1-0.

After going behind, the Gunners turned up the pressure once again, with Leandro Trossard looking dangerous down the left after coming off the bench. Arsenal continued to push, and in the 81st minute, they grabbed an equaliser.

Surging forward from midfield, Odegaard played a one-two with Gabriel Jesus to open up a little bit of space for a shot. The midfielder rifled a powerful effort from outside the box that rattled the post before flying into the net.

Mohamed Salah[9] struck the post with a long-range attempt just two minutes after the equaliser, but neither side could find a winner as the points were shared.

EA FC 24 predicted final score: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

What do you think the final score will be?

Let us know in the comments!

References

1. ^ Anfield (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Premier League (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Liverpool (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ 5-1 win at home to West Ham United on Wednesday (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ Jurgen Klopp (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ Curtis Jones (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
7. ^ Dominik Szoboszlai (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
8. ^ Cody Gakpo (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
9. ^ Mohamed Salah (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)