Arsenal and Liverpool take each other on in the Community Shield on Saturday and we take a look at the game from a betting angle.
It is hard to believe that the English season is about to get going again given that we only finished it a couple of weeks ago, but such has been the nature of a very strange year.
These sides qualify for the Community Shield on the basis of the fact that Arsenal are the FA Cup Holders and Liverpool the League Title winners.
Arsenal’s last competitive match was the 2-1 FA Cup win over Chelsea at the beginning of the month and they warmed up for this fixture with a 4-1 friendly win over MK Dons on Tuesday.
Liverpool wrapped up the League Title a few games from the finish and they played their last League game at the end of July, beating Newcastle 3-1. They have had a couple of friendlies against European opposition, beating Stuttgart 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Salzburg. Over 2.5 goals would have arrived in Liverpool’s last 5 matches.
These sides last met in the League with Arsenal winning 2-1 at home in July and there are generally goals on the cards when these teams meet.
Looking at recent history in the Community Shield, under 2.5 goal backers have collected in the last 3 matches and last year it was Manchester City who came out on top, 5-4 on penalties over Liverpool after the teams had drawn 1-1 in regular time.
BETTING – Click here to bet
Arsenal 15/4
Draw 31/10
Liverpool 13/20
Suggested Bet: The draw at 31/10
I can understand the fact that Liverpool are favourites here, but I think at 13/20 they are a bit short and the value lies in the draw at odds of just over 3/1.
Arsenal did beat Liverpool in their last outing and prior to that the sides drew in the EFL Cup.
Another betting option for those who think Arsenal can hold Liverpool is the Arsenal (+1) on the handicap which is 12/10, it is taking a shorter price, but if Arsenal win the game you still collect.
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
