Liverpool v Arsenal – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Liverpool v Arsenal

Sunday’s Premier League main event brings together two early title contenders as reigning champions Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield in a blockbuster clash.

Both sides boast perfect starts to the new campaign, but while the Reds have impressed going forward, defensive vulnerabilities remain, in contrast to the Gunners’ more balanced displays.

Liverpool’s trip to Newcastle on Monday night delivered all the drama the fixture promised. Despite Anthony Gordon’s red card for a rash challenge on Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle rallied from two goals down to level late on.

Just as the home crowd sensed a famous comeback, 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha stunned St James’ Park with a stoppage-time winner, set up by a clever Mohamed Salah assist.

The result extended Arne Slot’s perfect start, but it also highlighted a lack of defensive stability that has left them trailing Arsenal and Tottenham in the early standings.

History could be made this weekend, as Liverpool need just one goal to set a new club record of scoring in 37 consecutive league matches.

With Salah already boasting 11 career strikes against Arsenal – only Wayne Rooney and Harry Kane have more – the champions will back themselves to deliver once again in the final third.

Arsenal, meanwhile, arrive full of confidence. After grinding out a clean-sheet win at Old Trafford on the opening weekend, Mikel Arteta’s side dismantled Leeds at the Emirates.

Viktor Gyokeres netted twice, Jurrien Timber produced a commanding performance at the back, and 15-year-old Max Dowman made his Premier League debut.

Arsenal have now won their opening two matches without conceding, and another shutout would give them three clean sheets to start a league campaign for the first time in more than a century.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their last six league meetings with Liverpool, but Anfield remains a daunting venue.

They have not claimed a top-flight victory there since 2012, when goals from Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla secured a 2-0 win with Arteta himself in the midfield. Breaking that hoodoo would send a serious message about their title credentials.

Team news for Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool welcome Alexis Mac Allister back into training after his absence against Newcastle, giving Slot a near full-strength midfield.

Jeremie Frimpong (hamstring) remains the only confirmed absentee. Dominik Szoboszlai filled in at right-back on Monday, but Conor Bradley is an option if Slot prefers more natural defensive cover.

Salah, Cody Gakpo and Hugo Ekitike are all expected to start, with Florian Wirtz pulling the strings behind them.

Arsenal’s preparations have been complicated by injuries. Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Kai Havertz (knee) are sidelined for several weeks, while captain Martin Odegaard is doubtful after a shoulder issue kept him out of training.

Leandro Trossard, Ben White and Christian Norgaard are also fitness concerns, while Gabriel Jesus remains unavailable following ACL surgery.

New signing Eberechi Eze could be handed a first start in midfield, with Noni Madueke set to deputise for Saka on the right wing.

Expected line-ups for Liverpool v Arsenal

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli