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Liverpool vs Arsenal – Premier League Preview

Date: Sunday, 31st August 2025

Venue: Anfield

Kick-off: 16:30 BST

Anfield hosts the first true “Super Sunday” of the 2025/26 Premier League season as defending champions Liverpool welcome Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to Anfield. Both sides arrive with maximum points from their opening two fixtures, heightening the anticipation for what many already consider a clash between the country’s top two.

Liverpool’s late, dramatic 3–2 victory away at Newcastle showcased both their resilience and attacking edge, though familiar questions remain about defensive structure. Arsenal, meanwhile, have opened with a sharp efficiency, though injury setbacks have tempered their momentum heading into this heavyweight contest. A win over Manchester United was almost fortunate, however, a complete dismantling of newly promoted Leeds United showed that last seasons runners up are potentially favourites for this year’s crown.

Arsenal Availability

Arteta faces both excitement and frustration in equal measure. His latest summer signing, Eberechi Eze, may make his Arsenal debut following a £68m move from Crystal Palace. The England international adds dynamism between the lines, though he arrives when the Gunners are missing their most consistent performer.

Bukayo Saka, the team’s talisman on the right flank, is sidelined for three to four weeks with a hamstring strain. In addition, captain Martin Ødegaard is nursing a shoulder injury that makes him a major doubt for Sunday. Those absences strip Arsenal of their two most influential creative outlets and could leave Arteta leaning heavily on Viktor Gyökeres, Noni Madueke, and Eze to shoulder the burden.

Defensively, William Saliba and Gabriel will anchor the backline as usual, while Declan Rice remains the pivotal figure in midfield, attempting to both screen the defence and drive transitions. Though Eze will surely play some part, a more measured approach may be taken with Mikel Merino coming in for the skipper to add another aerial threat.

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Predicted Arsenal Lineup (4-3-3):

GK: David Raya

RB: Jurrien Timber

RCB: William Saliba

LCB: Gabriel Magalhães

LB: Riccardo Calafiori

CM: Declan Rice

CM: Mikel Merino

CM: Martin Zubimendi

RW: Noni Madueke

CF: Viktor Gyökeres

LW: Gabriel Martinelli

Liverpool Availability

Arne Slot continues to ease into his second season at Anfield with two wins from two, but this fixture represents his sternest test yet. Liverpool remains without potential new signings Alexander Isak and Marc Guéhi, but the established spine remains formidable. Jeremie Frimpong is out whereas Conor Bradley has only recently come back from injury.

Virgil van Dijk was outstanding in the victory at Newcastle, while Dominik Szoboszlai’s tireless display underlined his growing influence and versatility. Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo will fight for a place in the attacking line with Mohamed Salah on the opposite flank. I suspect the Hungarian skipper, Szoboszlai, will return to the attacking midfield role to protect the double pivot. Alexis Mac Allister is a certain starter if passed fit.

Hugo Ekitike, having netted against Newcastle, is expected to lead the line again. Milos Kerkez should continue at left back, with Andy Robertson exposed last season.

Predicted Liverpool Lineup (4-2-3-1):

GK: Alisson Becker

RB: Joe Gomez

RCB: Ibrahima Konaté

LCB: Virgil van Dijk (c)

LB: Milos Kerkez

CM: Alexis Mac Allister

CM: Ryan Gravenberch

ACM: Dominik Szoboszlai

RW: Mohamed Salah

CF: Hugo Ekitike

LW: Florian Wirtz

How Will This Contest Play Out?

Without Saka and with Ødegaard a doubt, Arsenal lose much of their fluency in wide and central zones. The key threat of the visitors will be set pieces, but Liverpool’s attacking power and home advantage could tilt the balance.

For Liverpool, the key will be controlling Rice and denying Arsenal space between the lines. If Szoboszlai and Mac Allister can dominate the midfield battle and Salah isolates his marker, Anfield could roar the champions towards a statement win. Arsenal will likely look to possession control and Martinelli’s pace, but the absences may prove decisive against a Liverpool side growing sharper with every game.

Player to Watch: Dominik Szoboszlai

The Hungarian international was immense at St. James’ Park. His blend of pressing energy and progressive passing could set the tempo against an Arsenal midfield missing its usual conductor.

Steven Smith’s Score Prediction:

Liverpool 2 – 1 Arsenal

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