Arsenal and Liverpool Clash: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Premier League championship contenders Arsenal face defending titleholders Liverpool in an enthralling encounter at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening.
League leaders Arsenal are perfectly positioned to unseat Liverpool after an outstanding opening half of the campaign and they can advance further toward triumph by defeating Arne Slot's unpredictable team. A close loss due to Dominik Szoboszlai's magnificent free-kick in August will only motivate the Gunners before an eager north London audience.
Liverpool's catastrophic championship defense leaves them as major outsiders approaching the Emirates, yet Champions League spots and reputation remain at stake midweek. A winless streak of nine fixtures has been far from impressive, though the Reds shouldn't be completely written off.
Mikel Arteta's squad has demonstrated the required poise when confronting the Premier League's elite teams this campaign, and their recent 4–1 thrashing of Aston Villa acts as a cautionary tale for Liverpool. Defensive structure and enhanced set-piece protection are crucial for the Reds to depart the capital with honor preserved.
Liverpool might no longer be challenging for the championship, yet Arsenal can deliver another setback to their pursuers on Thursday evening.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview to a thrilling match in north London.
What Time Does Arsenal vs. Liverpool Kick-Off?
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Arsenal | Liverpool |
|---|---|
Bournemouth 2–3 Arsenal - 03/01/26 | Fulham 2–2 Liverpool - 04/01/26 |
Arsenal 4–1 Aston Villa - 30/12/25 | Liverpool 0–0 Leeds - 01/01/26 |
Arsenal 2–1 Brighton - 27/12/25 | Liverpool 2–1 Wolves - 27/12/25 |
Arsenal 1–1 (8–7p) Crystal Palace - 23/12/25 | Tottenham 1–2 Liverpool - 20/12/25 |
Everton 0–1 Arsenal - 20/12/25 | Liverpool 2–0 Brighton - 13/12/25 |
How to Watch Arsenal vs. Liverpool on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
United Kingdom | Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra |
United States | NBCSN, Peacock |
Canada | DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada |
Mexico | Max Mexico, TNT Sports, TNT Go |
Arsenal Team News
Fitness issues are resolving at an ideal time for Arsenal, who presently have only three players receiving medical attention. One is youngster Max Dowman, alongside defenders Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori on the unavailable roster.
Arteta will persist with previously rumored Liverpool target Piero Hincapié at left-back but will otherwise field his strongest available defensive quartet as Gabriel partners William Saliba and Jurriën Timber begins at right-back.
Declan Rice received medical clearance for the weekend victory over Bournemouth and netted twice in that match. The England international will feature again and is guaranteed to be accompanied in the starting eleven by fellow countryman Bukayo Saka after being rested at the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool
Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard.
Liverpool Team News
Slot has expressed uncertainty regarding Hugo Ekitiké's participation on Thursday, disclosing the forward, who was absent from the Fulham fixture, hadn't participated in training as of Wednesday. He seems questionable for the encounter with the Gunners and would represent a significant loss if unavailable considering Alexander Isak's extended injury.
Mohamed Salah continues representing Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations and further restricts Slot's offensive choices, while Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo remain unavailable currently.
Slot's team composition depends on Ekitiké's fitness but he's expected to maintain the same lineup that faced Fulham if the French striker is ruled out. Jeremie Frimpong represents the sole possible modification, with the Dutch player potentially deployed at right wing.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal
Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Wirtz; Gakpo.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool Score Prediction
Significant developments have occurred since Liverpool edged Arsenal in August through Szoboszlai's spectacular strike. The Reds have declined to surprising depths and appeared diminished compared to their previous form, while Arsenal have progressed consistently.
The Gunners possess home field advantage, superior morale and deeper squad resources for the midweek clash, with the most probable result being a decisive Arsenal triumph.
Liverpool's weakness defending set-pieces could prove costly against a side excellent at capitalizing on them, while their overall defensive frailties may be severely exploited. With limited attacking alternatives, they appear unlikely to challenge the league's most resolute defense.
This appears to be a comfortable Arsenal victory.