Preview: Liverpool vs Arsenal- prediction, team news, lineups
The reigning Premier League champions Liverpool welcome last season's runners-up Arsenal to Anfield for a blockbuster clash on Sunday afternoon.
The two sides could not be separated in either meeting last season, with both fixtures ending 2-2 draws, the most recent of which came on Matchday 36 in May at Anfield.
Match Preview
Liverpool have made a flying start to their Premier League title defence, picking up wins over Bournemouth and Newcastle in their opening two fixtures.
However, both victories were far from straightforward. A flurry of late goals was required to sink the Cherries on the opening day, while teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha's last-minute strike settled a tense grudge match against the Magpies.
On both occasions, Liverpool saw their 2-0 leads vanish before finding a way to win, raising questions over defensive options and leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks.
The Reds have already strengthened heavily over the summer, signing attacking talents Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, as well as attacking full-backs Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, while an improved bid for Newcastle forward Alexander Isak remains on the table.
Isak, who had been the hero for the Magpies in the Carabao Cup final earlier this year, securing Newcastle's first major trophy in 56 years, now finds himself despised by the Tyneside faithful as he pursues a high-profile move to Anfield.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have made a statement of their own at the top of the table. After finishing second in each of the previous three seasons, the Gunners are determined to end a 21-year wait for the Premier League trophy.
Mikel Arteta's side are one of just two teams yet to concede a goal this campaign, following a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United and a 5-0 thrashing of newly promoted Leeds United in their most recent outing.
In previous seasons, Arsenal sometimes lacked cutting edge in attack, but the signing of Swedish striker Victor Gyokeres has changed that.
His two goals against Leeds highlighted his impact, with Arteta already comparing the Swede to a "superpower" and looking to build the team around his strengths.
Despite their strong start, Arsenal will face a stern test at Anfield, a ground they have not conquered in the Premier League since 2011, when Arteta himself featured in the 2-0 victory.
Liverpool Premier League Form:
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Arsenal Premier League Form:
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Team News
Alexis Mac Allister and Jeremie Frimpong are the only Liverpool players reportedly carrying fitness concerns ahead of Arsenal's visit to Anfield.
Manager Arne Slot has hinted that Mac Allister could return to the starting XI despite missing out on Monday's 3-2 win over Newcastle.
Frimpong, however, will remain sidelined until after the international break as he continues to deal with a hamstring problem.
Conor Bradley could feature in defence as the only available natural right-back, having played the final 20 minutes against Newcastle. His return means that either Curtis Jones or Dominik Szoboszlai, who have been filling in at right-back, are likely to drop to the bench.
Up front, Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running, scoring twice in his first two Premier League appearances, and is expected to continue as the lone striker.
Mohammed Salah and Cody Gakpo are set to maintain their places on the flanks, providing the Reds with pace and creativity going forward.
Arsenal are already contending with an injury crisis ahead of their trip to Anfield. Star winger Bukayo Saka is ruled out with a hamstring problem, while captain Martin Ødegaard remains sidelined with a shoulder issue.
Kai Havertz is set to undergo surgery on a knee injury that forced him to miss the Gunners' 5-0 demolition of Leeds, though Arteta is hopeful the German international will only be out for a matter of weeks.
Summer signing Christian Nørgaard is also unlikely to make his competitive debut, while defender Ben White could return to bolster the backline.
With Ødegaard absent, new signing Eberechi Eze, unveiled ahead of the Leeds game, could make his first start in midfield alongside Martín Zubimendi and Declan Rice, providing creativity and drive in the heart of Arsenal's engine room.
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Trossard
We say: Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal
With Arsenal facing an injury crisis and missing key players, it is difficult to back the Gunners at a ground they have not won in the Premier League for 14 years.
Liverpool have already shown how lethal they can be in attack, and it will be tough for Arsenal to contain a forward line that is both hungry and in form.
While many expect the game to end in a draw, the Reds have a point to prove after being dominated by Newcastle on Monday night.