Premier League preview: Sunday’s action including Man City vs Arsenal
Liverpool vs Brighton
Few teams get much from a trip to Anfield, but Brighton are unbeaten in their last three visits. That includes a 1-0 win in March 2021, a 2-2 draw in October of the same year – and last season’s blockbuster 3-3 draw.
It’s a good thing that recent history is so positive for the Seagulls, because currently, things are going less smoothly for the south coast side.
Since late November, Brighton have won just six league games – against Nottingham Forest twice (currently 18th in the Prem), Brentford (currently 15th), Spurs (5th), Crystal Palace (14th) and Sheffield United (20th). The Tottenham win aside, it’s not the most impressive list of vanquished foes.
Brighton have lost their last three away games in all comps, failing even to score in that run. So Roberto De Zerbi’s side may struggle to match the audacity of recent appearances at Anfield on Easter Sunday.
This could be a routine win for the hosts, who are unbeaten in their last 26 league games at Anfield. Four or more goals have been scored in five of Liverpool’s last seven home games in all competitions; backing over 3.5 goals at 17/20 might be a decent approach.
Man City vs Arsenal
Before this season, Man City had won their last eight meetings with Arsenal in all competitions. The Citizens had also taken victory from their last 12 league encounters with the Gunners – and at the Etihad, City have won seven league games against the north London side on the bounce.
Mikel Arteta did mastermind a 1-0 win over City at the Emirates in October, but still, Pep Guardiola has generally had the upper hand over Arsenal.
Can the Gunners possibly overcome their title rivals in their own backyard on Sunday?
There’s little doubt the visitors are on a good run, putting together an eight-match winning streak that’s seen them climb to the top of the table, albeit on goal difference. Liverpool are on the same points total, with City one point further back.
Forgetting City’s superior record to Arsenal for a second, and even with most observers agreeing the Manchester side haven’t been quite at their ruthless best this season, Pep’s team don’t tend to stumble at home.
Specifically, they’ve drawn four games at the Etihad this season – against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Spurs and Liverpool. For their last defeat at home in the Prem, you have to go back to 2022, when Brentford nicked a 2-1 win.
The Gunners might be able to get something then. And Kevin De Bruyne, recovering from a groin injury, is a doubt – that’s undoubtedly good news for the visitors.
But even with KDB possibly set to miss out, it’s probably still sensible to avoid taking on City at home. Instead, you could consider backing Rodri to deliver for the hosts.
Defensive-minded he may be, but the Spaniard scored twice for Spain against Brazil midweek. Could he step up against the Gunners in similar style? He’s done it before, netting home and away against Arsenal in the 2021-22 season. Rodri is 7/1 to find the net on Sunday.
If that feels like too much of a longshot, maybe you could take a chance on under 2.5 goals at 26/25. Surprisingly, five of City’s last six league games have seen two or fewer goals scored.
Admittedly, Arsenal have been scoring for fun in the Premier League lately. But in the last 12 league meetings between these sides, the Gunners have accumulated a total of five goals.
This season, the sides have already met twice; it ended 1-1 in the Community Shield, and 1-0 to the Gunners in October. This could be another tight affair.
To bet on a wide range of markets, visit 32Red Sport today. If you’re looking for a different kind of flutter, check out our 32Red Casino site. There’s plenty of slots and table games to keep you entertained!
