England Round 29

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Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Liverpool:
Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Henderson, Fabinho, Elliott; Salah, Gakpo, Nunez

Arsenal:
Ramsdale; White, Holding, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Xhaka, Partey; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Jesus

Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield in Sunday in the derby match of the round. The Gunners are leaders in the Premier League and three points from this match are very important, but the Reds are still fighting for a top-four finish. Jurgen Klopp's men are in poor form as they dropped five of the possible six points on the two matches after the international break. In fact, the whole season could be evaluated as poor. Klopp is under big pressure and he is well aware about that. He said he is still Liverpool manager "because of the past" rather than his team's current form. Liverpool have 43 points, huge 10 less then fourth-placed Manchester United. The injury situation is improving, Thiago Alcantara is back from the hip injury and Virgil van Dijk has recovered from the illness that kept him out of the draw with Chelsea. Luis Diaz is also progressing on the way back from the knee injury, but this match comes too soon for him. Stefan Bajcetic and Naby Keita remain sidelined.

Arsenal are at the top of the table with 72 points, eight more than second-placed Manchester City. The Gunners are main candidates for the title and the result from this match is very important. The actual form is excellent, they are in series of seven victories in the Premier League. Arsenal managed to beat Aston Villa, Leicester City, Everton, Bournemouth, Fulham, Crystal Palace and Leeds United. The atmosphere in the squad is positive, while the players confidence is high. However, playing at Anfield was a big problem in the recent years. The Gunners have no win on the last nine Premier League away fixtures against Liverpool. In addition, Arteta has some injury issues ahead of this match. William Saliba is rated as doubtful due to a back problem and his chances of recovering for this match are thought to be slim. Most probably Rob Holding will deputize again. Arteta has a selection dilemma in the attack as Bukayo Saka has recovered from illness and should start from the first minute. But maybe it is wise to continue with Leandro Trossard who scored a hat-trick at Anfield in October as a Brighton player. Finally, Mohamed Elneny and Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the remaining part of the season following surgery.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Prediction:

I expect an open and efficient match here. Liverpool need a victory, another defeat could be like a catastrophe. The Reds have won their last three league home games, scoring 11 goals in the process. But Arsenal are in fantastic form, they won the last seven matches in the Premier League. The Gunners have not won at Anfield since September 2012, when Mikel Arteta was playing for them. However, the momentum is on their side and I think they will upset Alisson. At least three goals should be scored.

Liverpool vs Arsenal Pick: Over 2.5 goals @ 1.66 with Pinnacle

 

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Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace Preview:

Possible starting lineups:

Leeds United:
Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Struijk, Firpo; McKennie, Roca; Harrison, Aaronson, Sinisterra; Bamford

Crystal Palace:
Johnstone; Ward, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Schlupp, Doucoure, Eze; Olise, Mateta, Ayew

Leeds United host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday in a classic relegation six-pointer. The Whites have 29 points, while the Eagles one more. Leeds are in solid form at the moment, two victories on the last three matches. They managed to beat Wolverhampton at Moulinex and Nottingham at home, scoring six goals in the process. Jack Harrison, Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen and Rodrigo secured a 4:2 win against the Wolves, while Harrison and Luis Sinisterra found the back of the net in a narrow 2:1 win over Nottingham. It is clear Leeds play much better under Javi Gracia - they have won three of the six Premier League games under his lead, as many as they had in their previous 22 this season. The Spaniard has four injury worries ahead of this match as Max Wober (thigh), Stuart Dallas (thigh), Adam Forshaw (hip) and Tyler Adams (hamstring) remain sidelined. On the positive note, Wilfried Gnonto has recovered from an ankle injury and made the bench for the win over Nottingham Forest. Most probably he will start as substitute again.

Crystal Palace have 30 points and their current situation is still complicated. They played four matches in March and lost all of them. It seems April could be a better month for the Eagles. They registered an important victory against Leicester City last weekend. The match that marked the return of veteran coach Roy Hodgson was decided deep into the stoppage time when Jean-Philippe Mateta netted the winner with virtually the last kick of the game. It was a first victory in 2023 and it came as reward for the 31 shots that Palace conjured up on the afternoon. But Palace paid a high price for the victory as key player Wilfried Zaha suffered a groin injury and will be out for at least three weeks. First-choice goalkeeper Vicente Guaita played the full 90 minutes against the Foxes, but he is unavailable here due to a calf injury. Long-term absentees Nathan Ferguson and Chris Richards could be back in time for this match, but none of them is expected to start.

Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace Prediction:

Leeds United should win this match. The home advantage is between the reasons for my pick, but there is more. Crystal Palace won last weekend, but lost two key players - regular goalkeeper Guaita and key striker Wilfried Zaha. Their absence is a big handicap for the Eagles. The Whites should benefit from the situation.

Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace Pick: Leeds United to win @ 2.14 with Everygame