Arsenal are aiming to keep hold of their healthy lead at the top of the table intact as they host reigning champions Liverpool at the Emirates.
Arsenal were the biggest beneficiaries over the last two gameweeks as all of their “Big Six” rivals, including Liverpool, dropped points in one form or another. Having beaten Aston Villa last weekend and then Bournemouth in midweek, the Gunners would have been delighted at the sight of their closest title rivals dropping points, particularly Manchester City, which has allowed them to open up a six-point gap at the top of the table.
Since losing to Aston Villa away from home, the Gunners have recorded five straight Premier League wins, in a period that described their form as ‘worrying’. It is a testament to their squad depth and resilience that saw them secure wins over sides they failed to win last season, including the one last weekend against Bournemouth away from home.
Gabriel Magalhaes gifted Evanilson the opening goal in the game after a horrendous mistake early on, but the defender made amends with a thumping equaliser a few minutes later. The second half was all about Declan Rice, with the midfielder returning to the team with a stellar brace that helped seal the three points, as Bournemouth threatened after an Eli Junior Kroupi stunner midway through the second period.
Now, Arsenal welcome reigning champions Liverpool, as Mikel Arteta insisted his team has a point to prove. That point is also relevant for Arne Slot, as the Dutch tactician has endured a torrid season with Liverpool, which has seen many sections of the club’s fanbase demanding his departure.
On paper, Liverpool are on an eight-game unbeaten run, but to add context to those numbers, they have four draws and as many wins in that period. It has allowed Liverpool to establish themselves in fourth spot, but have drawn their last two games to Leeds United and then Fulham at the weekend.
Former star Harry Wilson gave the Cottagers the lead, but Florian Wirtz equaliseed in the second half. Cody Gakpo thought he had won the game with a second-half injury-time goal, only for Harrison Reed to score a wonderstriuke from distance to earn a point at the death. It was a bitter blow for Liverpool, particularly before their trip to Arsenal, as Slot will want a big performance at the Emirates on Thursday.
Team News & Tactics
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta did not mention any fresh injury concerns after the Bournemouth clash, as he could have a similar squad at his disposal to select. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are still sidelined, but the Arsenal manager insisted the defensive duo are very close to making a return to the squad against Liverpool.
Kai Havertz, who was absent from the squad for the Bournemouth trip, could be back in the mix, but is unlikely to start. Despite having a raft of injuries since the start of the season, it appears Arteta could soon have a fully-fit squad at his disposal, as Calafiori, Mosquera, and teenager Max Dowman are the ones sidelined.
Arteta is expected to keep the core of his team intact from the game against Bournemouth, but some changes are expected in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to replace Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli, while Viktor Gyokeres will keep his place despite the rising form of Gabriel Jesus.
The Gunners will field the same back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Piero Hincapie, with the latter performing well in the absence of Calafiori. Given the current form of the three midfielders, Arteta is unlikely to touch that area, meaning Eberechi Eze could find himself on the bench again, who has not played a minute in the last four games for the club.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Odegaard, Trossard; Gyokeres
Liverpool
Arne Slot does have some important injury concerns with his squad, as there are significant doubts over Hugo Ekitike’s availability. The French striker was not part of the trip to Fulham due to a hamstring problem, and while it is considered minor, the chances of the Frenchman playing a part at the Emirates are slim.
His absence could lead to Cody Gakpo playing the No.9 role once again, as Alexander Isak is unlikely to feature for a few months with a serious injury. Beyond that, Mohamed Salah remains far away at the AFCON as he fired his Egypt side into the quarter-finals of the competition, meaning Slot may need to field Dominik Szoboszlai on the right wing.
The Liverpool boss might also continue to start Conor Bradley in the right-back role against Arsenal, even though Jeremie Frimpong picked up assists in the last two games after coming on as a substitute. There could be concerns over his fitness, something Slot may not want to risk just yet. Given the importance of this game, Slot might also use Andy Robertson at left back over Milos Kerkez.
He is expected to use a midfield three of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, and Curtis Jones to maintain balance with Arsenal’s setup in the middle. With Szoboszlai and Gakpo likely to start, Florian Wirtz could occupy the left-wing spot at the Emirates.
Probable Liuneup (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Gakpo
Key Stats
- Arsenal have won their last five matches in the Premier League. Additionally, the Gunners are unbeaten at the Emirates this season across all competitions.
- Liverpool are undefeated in 25 of their last 28 matches against Arsenal in all competitions.
- Liverpool are unbeaten in their last eight games in the Premier League.
- Only Burnley’s Premier League matches this season have seen more goals in the 90th minute or later (10) than Liverpool’s (9 – 5 for, 4 against). Only in 2023/24 (13), 2008/09 (12), and 2010/11 (10) did the Reds see more 90th minute goals for and against in a Premier League season.
- Bukayo Saka has scored in his last three Premier League home games against Liverpool. In their league history, no Arsenal player has ever scored in four consecutive home games against the Reds before.
Player to Watch
Declan Rice
Rice shrugged off concerns about a knee problem with a stellar display away at Bournemouth and proved why he is probably Arsenal’s most important player. Not only did he score two goals, but he was also immense in all phases of the game, managing his midfield and defensive duties well.
Ahead of the big clash with Liverpool at the Emirates, Mikel Arteta will hope Rice maintains the form he is in currently to help the team dominate the game. The English international has also shown the knack to be a clutch player for the Gunners, as he could be the man in focus when taking on the Merseysiders.
Prediction
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Liverpool are likely to come into this game as the underdogs against the Premier League leaders, given the contrasting form the two teams have been in this season. Yet, that is not to say they cannot get something from this visit to the Emirates. However, the odds are stacked against them.
Mikel Arteta’s men are probably the in-form team in the division and probably Europe. Given the way they demolished title challengers Aston Villa last week, the Gunners are expected to put in another dominating performance, although their recent defensive form has shown they can concede an odd goal at some stage, and they are the favourites to take three points.
