Liverpool and Arsenal Clash: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

A crucial Premier League championship clash will unfold at Anfield this Sunday afternoon as defending titleholders Liverpool welcome last season's second-place finishers Arsenal.

Liverpool battled against the Gunners throughout the 2024–25 campaign and eventually emerged victorious, securing a commanding ten-point margin over their rivals. Another contest for supremacy is anticipated between these two sides this season, with additional challenges expected from teams like Manchester City and Chelsea.

The Reds have begun their championship defense with an unsteady yet successful start, claiming consecutive wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Nevertheless, their backline displays have been worryingly inadequate, having twice relinquished two-goal advantages that nearly cost them valuable points. Luckily for Arne Slot, crucial late strikes have secured a perfect opening, with Rio Ngumoha emerging as the unexpected match-winner against ten-man Newcastle United on Monday evening.

Arsenal have similarly secured wins from their first two encounters, achieving these results while maintaining defensive solidity away at Manchester United and at home versus Leeds United. Following a lucky triumph at Old Trafford, the north London club crushed Leeds at the Emirates Stadium, netting five against the recently-promoted team—featuring a double from summer acquisition Viktor Gyökeres.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal rarely fails to provide excitement and attacking spectacle, with both previous season encounters finishing 2–2. Sunday's contest looks set to produce comparable entertainment.

Here is Sports Illustrated's preview of this marquee matchup.

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Liverpool vs. Arsenal Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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Liverpool Team News

Slot has confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister will return after sitting out the Newcastle fixture due to injury, with the Argentine expected to form a midfield partnership alongside Ryan Gravenberch in Liverpool's central duo.

Conor Bradley has completed another full week of preparation and may regain his starting position after being limited to substitute appearances at St James' Park. Dominik Szoboszlai impressed while filling in at right-back against the Magpies but might find himself on the bench.

Bradley's availability becomes even more crucial given that Jeremie Frimpong remains unavailable until after the forthcoming international break due to a hamstring problem.

Florian Wirtz continues to search for his inaugural competitive goal or assist for the Reds and will be keen to deliver on this prominent occasion. In contrast, new forward Hugo Ekitiké has already registered two goals and one assist from Liverpool's initial league fixtures.

Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal

Liverpool predicted lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.

Arsenal Team News

Arsenal will miss the key presence of Bukayo Saka at Anfield after Mikel Arteta announced his winger will be unavailable for multiple weeks following an injury picked up against Leeds. Positively for the Gunners, surgical intervention is not required.

Arteta has disclosed that Martin Ødegaard continues to be a major uncertainty after withdrawing injured against the Whites, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are both receiving medical attention—the latter having recently undergone minor knee surgery.

Arteta remains uncertain about the availability of Christian Nørgaard and Ben White, though Jurriën Timber should feature regardless in place of the latter following his two-goal, one-assist performance and clean sheet against Leeds.

Eberechi Eze might make his Arsenal bow after being presented at the Emirates Stadium previously, while Martín Zubimendi will face the club he turned down last summer.

Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool

Arsenal predicted lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyøkeres.

Liverpool vs. Arsenal Score Prediction

Four of the previous six competitive encounters between Liverpool and Arsenal have concluded in stalemates and we're certain to witness another closely-contested battle at Anfield. The Reds haven't suffered defeat to the Gunners at home in the Premier League since 2012 but their questionable defensive showings might dent their confidence this weekend.

Goals consistently feature in this matchup and Liverpool's early season tactics could produce a thrilling encounter on Merseyside. The Reds have been clinical in attack but careless in defense during their opening two Premier League matches.

Although the pressure isn't as intense in the campaign's early stages, both teams will be eager to deliver a psychological advantage and claim three vital points. They might need to settle for a share of the spoils instead.

Prediction: Liverpool 3–3 Arsenal