Silvestre and Barnes preview Arsenal vs Liverpool

Here at bettingexpert, Devang Prasad sat down with former Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre alongside former Liverpool winger John Barnes. The pair gave us a double whammy Premier League preview of the top of the table clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates this weekend.

In this article:

• Arsenal must take their chances against Liverpool
• Barcelona is an impossible job. Why would Arteta want it?
• Klopp announcement won’t have a bearing on title outcome
• Partey returning is very positive for Arteta
• Barnes is confident of a Liverpool victory against Arsenal
• Jesus and Odegaard highlighted as Arsenal dangermen
• Safer Gambling

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Arsenal must take their chances against Liverpool

Ahead of Sunday’s pivotal match at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team is five points behind the league-leading Liverpool. Following a stretch of four games without a win, Arsenal have found form again, securing victories in their last two matches against Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest. Mikael Silvestre has highlighted the importance of Arsenal capitalising on their opportunities, especially given Liverpool’s efficiency and clinical nature in front of goal. This match is seen as a significant test for Arsenal in their pursuit to close the gap with the league leaders.

“I think Arsenal know they will create chances. Liverpool will create chances as well, but Arsenal are playing at home and they need to take advantage of that.”

“They need to take their chances, which they haven’t done when they have faced them the last couple of times.”

“Liverpool are very clinical and Arsenal has to be that as well.”

Barcelona is an impossible job. Why would Arteta want it?

Mikel Arteta is reportedly in the running for the managerial position at Barcelona, with current manager Xavi Hernandez set to depart the club in the summer. Arteta’s football career began at Barcelona in 1999, but due to limited playing opportunities, he moved on loan to Paris Saint-Germain in 2001 when he was just 18 years old. Many observers, including Mikael Silvestre, view the Barcelona managerial role as exceptionally challenging. The difficulty of the position is compounded by the club’s financial constraints, ongoing political issues, and the immense pressure and expectations associated with managing a club of Barcelona’s stature.

“Why would Arteta go to a club where he can’t recruit anybody and improve the squad? Barcelona is an impossible job. If we have to be realistic, a new manager would not be able to spend any money for some time so it would be a tough job for any manager.”

“It’s tough at Barcelona, because they have to compete for the title with Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid… Good luck, haha.”

Klopp announcement won’t have a bearing on title outcome

The recent announcement regarding Jürgen Klopp could potentially provide additional motivation for Liverpool in the remainder of the season. Such developments often have the effect of galvanising a team, potentially impacting the title race, especially concerning Manchester City and Arsenal, who are in pursuit of the league leaders. However, Mikael Silvestre offers a different perspective, downplaying the importance of this announcement. He suggests that it may not have a significant impact on Liverpool’s performances.

“I don’t think it’s going to affect the performance. It’s not like he is leaving tomorrow, he still has five months left. I think Liverpool should be committed anyway, if not something is wrong.”

Partey returning is very positive for Arteta

We spoke to Silvestre about his opinion on Thomas Partey’s return for Arsenal and the former French international tempered expectations regarding Partey’s immediate influence, particularly for the upcoming match against Liverpool.

“I don’t know if Partey is ready to play from the start but if he is available it will be very positive for Arteta.”

Barnes is confident of a Liverpool victory against Arsenal

Barnes offered us a Liverpool perspective of the clash this Sunday and he’s also very confident that Liverpool can come away from the game with a result. After struggling during the December period, Arsenal have won their last two fixtures and look back up to speed for the second half of the season.

“Every time we’ve gone to Arsenal we’ve done well.”

“Arsenal have picked up some results of late so they’ll be confident but I’m looking at the style of the teams and the power and strength we have will help us.”

“Arsenal are a very technical side. I’ll be intrigued to see if they bring in Jorginho alongside Rice to strengthen in the middle of the pitch.”

“Of course it will be a hard game but I’m confident of a result for Liverpool.”

Jesus and Odegaard highlighted as Arsenal dangermen

Barnes highlighted Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard as the two players that Liverpool need to pay close attention towards if they are to leave The Emirates with anything from the game.

“Jesus hasn’t played regularly this season and they’ve had to use Havertz as a number nine at times but he’s not a centre forward.”

“That’s maybe where they’ve struggled.”

“Jesus will be dangerous and generally Arsenal play in a very dangerous manner.”

“Odegaard is also very good. They’ve got dangerous players and play good football by dominating possession.”

“But they don’t have a goal threat. It will be a fun attacking game because nobody sits back and defends.”

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