Arsenal v Liverpool – Line-ups, stats and preview
The defending champions face a tough challenge this evening, as Arsenal hosts Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium for a significant Premier League encounter.
The Reds come into the match on a longer unbeaten streak than the home team, but a loss in North London would leave Mikel Arteta’s squad a substantial 17 points ahead with 17 matches still to play.
Arsenal kicked off the New Year in strong fashion, benefiting from other teams dropping points during Gameweek 20, despite a dismal start away to Bournemouth, where Gabriel’s early mistake was capitalized on by Evanilson.
The centre-back redeemed himself with an important equalizer before Declan Rice netted twice to clinch a thrilling 3-2 victory, marking his first Premier League goals after 296 appearances.
Arsenal’s delight was amplified later that night when Chelsea’s late equalizer against Manchester City further solidified their lead at the top.
Following back-to-back draws for City, both they and Aston Villa trail the Gunners by six points, although that lead could be narrowed on Wednesday.
The Emirates Stadium has proven to be a stronghold this season, with Arsenal claiming 14 out of 15 victories there across all competitions, including a current run of 12 consecutive wins.
199 goals 67 meetings Classic encountersOur Premier League history with Liverpool in stats — Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 6, 2026
A win today would also mark the Gunners’ third consecutive home victory over the reigning champions in the Premier League for the first time.
Liverpool heads to North London after conceding late leads in successive draws against Leeds and Fulham, the latter featuring a stunning injury-time equalizer from Harrison Reed that negated what appeared to be a decisive goal from Cody Gakpo.
These results have hampered the momentum built during a four-match winning streak; however, Arne Slot’s team sits fourth in the standings and remains unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions.
Team news for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal is nearly at full strength, with Arteta managing just a handful of absentees. Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are out due to ankle injuries, while Riccardo Calafiori is a doubt owing to an undisclosed issue.
Kai Havertz was rested against Bournemouth for load management, and the German could be sat out again given Arsenal’s options in the attacking department. Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting XI and aims to be the first Arsenal player to score in four consecutive home league matches against Liverpool.
Leandro Trossard is also in contention for a start after beginning on the bench last weekend, while Declan Rice is set to retain his place in midfield following his match-winning double.
Liverpool’s attacking choices are more restricted. Mohamed Salah is participating in AFCON, and Alexander Isak is out due to a leg injury. Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt after missing the Fulham draw due to a muscle issue, but Florian Wirtz is anticipated to play despite dealing with a hamstring concern.
Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are both unavailable, and Slot may choose to maintain consistency following the draw at Craven Cottage, with Jeremie Frimpong available as an alternative on the right.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo
How to watch Arsenal v Liverpool: TV channel, online live stream
The match kicks off on Thursday at 20:00 GMT (16:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage available in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Through Now TV, a day pass to Sky Sports is priced at £14.99, while a 12-month subscription costs £28 per month, or £34.99 monthly without a contract.
Sky Sports memberships provide access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which includes live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming capabilities are available on a wide range of devices via the Sky GO app.
The stats for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal has secured 14 wins out of 15 home games across all competitions this season
The Gunners are currently on a 12-match winning streak at the Emirates
Arsenal has won their last five Premier League fixtures
Liverpool remains unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions
Liverpool has not won any of their last three league trips to the Emirates
A victory for Arsenal could extend their lead over Liverpool to 17 points
Prediction
Arsenal
1
–
0
Liverpool
Liverpool has historically defeated Arsenal more often than any other club in Premier League history, but the current dynamics, injury challenges, and the advantage of playing at home suggest a favorable outcome for the leaders.
With Liverpool lacking attacking strength and Arsenal continuing to find ways to secure victories, Arteta’s squad should fortify their position in the title race.
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Published: 2026-01-08 09:34:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
