Arsenal v Liverpool Preview

This has the feel of a season-defining night — not just because Arsenal are top and Liverpool are chasing, but because both sides arrive with something to prove.

Arsenal are flying at home: seven straight Premier League wins at the Emirates, the kind of streak that turns a title push into a title march. Liverpool, meanwhile, are unbeaten in nine, but the word “unbeaten” has started to sound like a polite cover for what’s really happening: late concessions, dropped points, and that lingering sense that Slot’s side can’t quite land the punch when it matters.

The state of play

Arsenal sit first with 48 points, Liverpool are fourth with 34 — a gulf that tells its own story. Liverpool can talk about momentum, about “still being there”, about staying in the Champions League places… but if they want to be more than stubborn hangers-on, this is where they have to act like champions again.

And Arsenal will smell it. Not fear — opportunity.

The numbers that matter

• Arsenal have conceded in 20 straight Premier League games against Liverpool — a weird, stubborn stain on their record — but they’ve also made the Emirates a fortress again, winning seven straight home league games.
• Liverpool’s season has become addicted to late drama: nine goals in the 90th minute or later in their league matches (five for, four against).
• Liverpool can complete a league double over Arsenal for the first time since 2021-22, after winning 1-0 at Anfield in August.
• Bukayo Saka has scored in three straight home league games vs Liverpool — one more would be a club first in the Premier League era.

How it could look tactically

Arsenal will try to pin Liverpool in and turn the Emirates into a wave machine: press, regain, attack again. Liverpool, even under Slot’s more controlled “possession-first” approach, still carry that counter threat — and if they score first, their record is imposing.

But there’s a flaw in this Liverpool side that Arsenal will target relentlessly: set pieces. Liverpool have struggled at both ends — not enough goals scored from them, too many conceded from them — and Arsenal do not need inviting twice.

Likely line-ups

Arsenal (probable): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice, Ødegaard; Saka, Havertz (if fit), Martinelli; Jesus.
Liverpool (probable): Alisson; Bradley/Frimpong, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones/Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike (if fit).

Key caveat: Liverpool’s attack is patchwork right now. Salah is away at AFCON, Isak is out, and Ekitike has been nursing a hamstring issue. If Ekitike can’t start, Liverpool’s threat becomes more “moments” than “plan”.

Why it’s must-win for Liverpool

That Leeds 0-0 at Anfield wasn’t just points dropped — it was a mood drop. It felt like a crowd exhaling frustration rather than breathing belief. Then Fulham happened: late lead, late collapse. Again.

You can’t keep calling those “learning moments” at this level. Arsenal won’t let you learn tonight — they’ll punish you for it.

Score prediction: Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool

Arsenal to edge it late, because they’re sharper at home, more ruthless in key moments, and Liverpool’s game management has been living on borrowed time.