It’s a top-of-the-table clash and for once, it doesn’t involve Manchester City. Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield on December 23 as first takes on second in a battle which is the pick of the weekend’s fixtures.
Liverpool are coming off a drab 0-0 draw against Manchester United where they were expected to win comfortably. Arsenal are coming off a comprehensive 2-0 win against Brighton that sent another reminder to the Premier League that they are a force here to stay.
Here’s the match preview, team news, and prediction for the marquee fixture as the top of the table will look much different after this week.
Liverpool vs Arsenal preview
The campaigns Liverpool and Arsenal are having are eerily similar. One is on 39 points (Arsenal), the other is on 38. They both have conceded exactly 15 goals.
Liverpool have scored just one more than the Gunners (36-35), and they both rely on their wide forward for their most important attacking threats (Saka vs Salah).
In many ways, with both teams an ascending force, this is the perfect time for the game to find out who is truly the better team. Liverpool will be determined to put the fear of Anfield back in the footballing world’s minds after United snuck away with a draw.
Arsenal will be hoping for a statement win at arguably world football’s toughest away venue and cement their position at the top of the table.
If Aston Villa fade away a bit, as is expected (but don’t count on it), then their nearest challenger is Manchester City, who are already four points behind Liverpool at 34. Therefore, this could be the game where the title favourite is crowned.
Liverpool vs Arsenal predicted lineups
Liverpool team news
No new injuries were the only positive for Liverpool after their draw against the Red Devils as Ryan Gravenberch’s substitution was due to fatigue only.
However, the Dutchman has struggled to perform at expected levels since coming to the club. Therefore, Curtis Jones might replace him for this game. The defence will remain unchanged from that game mainly due to a lack of options. Joe Gomez is the only viable option but Konate has done well next to Van Dijk.
There could be a change in attack. Cody Gakpo had a lively cameo after coming off the bench against United and he could be rewarded with a starting place at the expense of Luis Diaz.
Predicted Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk, Konate, Tsimikas, Endo, Szoboszlai, Jones, Salah, Gakpo, Nunez
Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta’s team have an extremely settled look with where they have had no new injuries after starting the season with blows to Jurrien Timber, Fabio Vieira, and Thomas Partey.
The only decision that will be contentious in the Arsenal fan base is the continued inclusion of Raya over Ramsdale despite his erratic performance but Arteta seems intent on sticking with the Spaniard for now.
The rest of the team is full of well-performers and pretty much picks itself, barring any late injuries.
In the absence of Gabriel Jesus’ prolific scoring, the midfield and wide-forwards have stepped up and Arteta would hope Jesus joins the party soon. Otherwise, they might have to dip into the market to get a new focal point in the summer.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Rice, Havertz, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, Jesus
Liverpool vs Arsenal prediction
Liverpool’s flying home form was brought to a screeching halt by United with a disciplined defensive performance. While that might provide a template for other teams to follow, Arteta won’t replicate it.
The Gunners will undoubtedly look to take the game to Liverpool after sailing through an early surge powered by a rabid home crowd.
However, that is exactly the kind of game Liverpool would like as it would give them space to work their magic, something which United prevented.
Expect Arsenal to threaten in spurts but Liverpool to overwhelm them with their intensity. Anfield will be a fortress again after a statement win by Liverpool.
FootTheBall predicts Liverpool 3-1 Arsenal.
