The odds may suggest otherwise, but Liverpool can consider themselves firm favourites on Friday night at the Emirates Stadium against Arsenal.

The Gunners have lost just one game at home this season in all competitions, a defeat they suffered three weeks ago at the hands of Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United.
Up until that point, Arsene Wenger’s side boasted a 100% win record on home soil in the league. But while the North London outfit have enjoyed home comforts this season, the rampant Reds have showcased their ruthless streak on their travels, which is making them unwelcome visitors wherever they venture.

On paper, this may appear a testing fixture, given the fact that Liverpool have only tasted victory once at Arsenal since 2012, though, Jurgen Klopp’s side have won the last three overall meetings between the teams and are capable of rising to the occasion once more.

Cast your mind back to the Reds’ previous fixture at the Emirates last campaign, in which Sadio Mane announced himself to the club with a fine debut goal. The jet heeled winger not only opened his goalscoring account for the side but also kick-started early season optimism as Klopp’s men embarked upon their 38 game journey.

Mane raced over to the sidelines and was hoisted up in the air by Klopp, who looked unsure of what to do amidst the sheer ecstasy and ended up piggybacking down the touchline, bearing the weight of his new star player.

On this occasion, the Reds were on the winning side of a seven-goal thriller and based on recent encounters, you’d expect history to repeat itself on Friday, by delivering another goal-fest.

The Merseysiders have scored three or more goals in their last four meetings with Arsenal and the two sides’ last ten league meetings have conjured up 41 goals- a stupendous average of 4.1 goals per game.

Last time out, Liverpool were 4-0 victors at Anfield in August, preceded by another home win, in last season’s 3-1 triumph. Prior to this, was the above-mentioned 4-3 spectacle in the capital, and concluding the list, an entertaining 3-3 clash, again, at the home of the Reds.

And it’s not just bundles of goals against Arsenal alone which is becoming somewhat of a common occurrence, as Klopp’s side have entered a free-scoring rhythm away from home.

Liverpool recently set a Premier League record, by becoming the first top-flight side to win four consecutive away matches by a margin of three or more goals; an accolade that was accomplished in Sunday’s 4-0 win at Bournemouth.

By no means will this heavyweight fixture be ‘easy’, but based on current form, you’d be bold to downplay the Reds’ chances of extending this striking streak.

Having said this, it hasn’t all been plain sailing on the road this season, as Klopp’s men have been on the receiving end of two separate humbling debacles against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, losing 5-0 and 4-1 respectively.

Though, the tides have turned since then it seems. Nine goals were shipped in these two drubbings, meanwhile, in the last nine league games, just four times has the Liverpool defence been breached.

Of course, many will continue to put forward the case that the Reds’ rearguard are not, and won’t ever be what’s required going forwards, but perhaps the much-maligned backline deserve some recognition.

Let’s also not forget, Liverpool’s opponents are far from the finished article themselves.

The Gunners possess the worst top six head-to-head league record since Klopp’s arrival in England, in October 2015 (19% win ratio) – with the Reds manager occupying the most superior track record (39%).

Matches of the highest magnitude play into Liverpool’s hands, as opposition located in the upper echelons of the league are also forward-thinking, which leaves themselves exposed to counter-attacks, allowing for the Reds’ potent attack to wreak havoc.

Frustration has loomed large at Anfield recently, as Everton and West Brom, who adhere to gameplans of attacking prevention as opposed to penetration, have both walked away with an unmerited share of the spoils. In the end, superior possession statistics and goal attempts have counted for sweet nothing for the Merseysiders.

Home may be where the heart is, but perhaps it’s not where Liverpool’s best football is being played currently.

Many may expect Arsenal to reign supreme but this is the kind of fixture where Klopp and Liverpool are in their element.

You certainly wouldn’t put it past Liverpool’s ‘Fab Four’ to single-handedly carry three points back home to L4. And it’s not just the rampant attacking quartet that will pose danger to the hosts, as former Gunner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, will be aiming to settle the score at a place he called home for six years.

It promises to be a fascinating game, involving two Jekyll and Hyde sides, that interchange from one extreme to the other each week.

Christmas will have certainly come early if Klopp’s side secure three points on Friday, in what would be a present that Reds supporters would accept with open arms. Conversely, a horror show repeat of the Man City and Spurs thrashings would be sure to remove any festive cheer.
Tom Cavilla