Liverpool vs Arsenal preview, team news and predicted lineup

The two leading contenders for this season’s Premier League title go head-to-head at Anfield on Sunday, as reigning champions Liverpool host last year’s runners-up Arsenal . Arne Slot’s Liverpool have started their campaign with back-to-back victories, though their performances have left room for improvement, relying on their attacking firepower to secure wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle United.

Last Monday’s trip to Newcastle highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, prompting speculation that Liverpool may strengthen at the back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi reportedly close to joining the club. Up front, Hugo Ekitike has been a standout performer, averaging a goal per game as he leads the line for the Reds.

Arsenal currently top the table on goal difference, having scored six goals and conceded none in their opening two matches. The Gunners faced a challenging start with an away fixture at Manchester United, where they emerged victorious thanks to a first-half header from Riccardo Calafiori following a well-worked set piece. Their first home game was more comfortable, as a dominant 5-0 win over Leeds United—featuring a brace from Viktor Gyokeres—secured another three points for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal’s victory over Leeds came at a price, with both Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka forced off due to injury. Saka is expected to be sidelined for four weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury, though the problem is not as serious as initially feared. The Gunners’ worries over Odegaard have eased, as he has been named in Norway’s squad for their upcoming fixtures. Mikel Arteta will provide a further update on his captain during Friday’s press conference and remains hopeful that Odegaard will be available for the trip to Merseyside.

Saka’s absence will necessitate changes in Arsenal’s attack, with Noni Madueke—who impressed against Leeds—likely to move into his preferred position on the right wing. Eberechi Eze, who trained with his new teammates for the first time this week, could be handed an immediate debut as Arsenal look to fill gaps caused by injuries, much to the excitement of fans eager to see the player they signed ahead of Tottenham. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz remains out with a knee injury that may require surgery. He will miss the trip to Anfield and Germany’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, pending further tests.

Liverpool, meanwhile, emerged from a hard-fought 3-2 win at St James’ Park, with Hugo Ekitike scoring again in a dramatic victory over Newcastle United. Alexis Mac Allister missed that match, with Curtis Jones stepping in alongside Ryan Gravenberch in midfield, but manager Arne Slot is hopeful the Argentine will be fit for the weekend. At right-back, Slot faces a selection dilemma as Jeremie Frimpong is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Dominik Szoboszlai filled in admirably against Newcastle, but the return of Conor Bradley could see a more natural right-back option chosen. Youngsters Max Dowman (15) and Rio Ngumoha (16) will also be hoping to feature.

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Jones, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Magalhaes, LEwis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyokeres

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