Sunday's Premier League clash Arsenal v Liverpool is shaping up to be one of the biggest matches of the season. Set to take place at Emirates Stadium, the game will kick off at 4:30 PM on the 27th October and could have significant implications for the title race.
Both teams are battling at the top end of the table, and while Liverpool have been in sensational form, Arsenal are looking to recover after a recent shock defeat. Here’s a look at the team news, current form, and some historical context heading into this massive encounter.
And remember, bet365 Sport will have extensive In Play betting on the game, as well as a wide choice of pre-match betting markets on this true Premier League classic!
Arsenal is grappling with a series of injury problems that have stretched their squad. Key players such as captain Martin Ødegaard and star winger Bukayo Saka are major doubts, which poses a significant challenge for Mikel Arteta.
Defensively, Arsenal’s situation is even more precarious. William Saliba is suspended, while Riccardo Calafiori will likely miss out after picking up a knock during the midweek Champions League fixture.
The absence of full-backs Jurrien Timber, Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu due to long-term injuries further complicates matters. Arteta may have to turn to Polish youngster Jakub Kiwior to partner Gabriel Magalhães in defense.
Liverpool, in contrast, faces fewer injury concerns. While goalkeeper Alisson is sidelined for around six-weeks, Caoimhín Kelleher will step in once again. The rest of the Reds squad is in good shape, with key players such as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, and Virgil van Dijk all available.
Curtis Jones, who played a pivotal role in their last match against Chelsea, is expected to continue in midfield alongside the revitalised Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai or Alexis Mac Allister. Mac Allister does have a slight injury concern so it may be the Argentinean star who makes way here.
With Diogo Jota injured, Darwin Nunez will likely play as the central striker alongside Salah and either Luis Diaz or Cody Gakpo playing wide left.
Injured or Suspended Players
Arsenal: William Saliba (suspended), Bukayo Saka (very doubtful), Martin Ødegaard (injured), Riccardo Calafiori (injured), Jurrien Timber (doubtful), Takehiro Tomiyasu (injured), Kieran Tierney (injured)
Liverpool: Alisson (injured), Diogo Jota (injured), Harvey Elliott (injured)
Arsenal v Liverpool – Current Form
Arsenal was on an impressive unbeaten run before their unexpected 2-0 loss to Bournemouth last weekend. This defeat raised concerns about the team's depth and how they cope with injuries to key players. Despite this setback, Arsenal has been formidable at home this season, and they'll be eager to bounce back quickly in the league.
The Gunners were 1-0 winners in midweek in the Champions League over Shakhtar Donetsk at home.
Liverpool, meanwhile, have been in superb form under new coach Arne Slot. With seven wins from their opening eight games, they sit at the top of the Premier League standings. Last weekend, they secured a statement 2-1 win over Chelsea, solidifying their credentials as serious title contenders.
Slot has revitalized Liverpool's pressing and direct style of play, making them a dangerous proposition for any opponent. They showed that once again in midweek earning their third Champions League win in three games, winning 1-0 away to Red Bull Leipzig.
Arsenal v Liverpool – Premier League Position
Liverpool sits at the summit of the Premier League table going into this weekend, having collected a near-perfect number of points (21 out of 24 available). Arsenal, despite their recent defeat, remains near the top and are still well within reach of the leaders on 17 points.
This match could prove to be a pivotal moment in the title race for both sides. Although it is vital Arsenal do not lose this game and fall seven points being the Reds after nine matches.
History Between the Teams
Arsenal and Liverpool have shared one of the Premier League's most exciting and storied rivalries. The two teams have often been involved in thrilling, high-stakes encounters.
In recent meetings, Liverpool has had the upper hand, although their last match in April 2024 ended in a 2-2 draw, showing how closely matched these two sides can be.
Famous Arsenal v Liverpool Clashes
Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool (1989)
This match is etched in football history as one of the greatest title deciders. Arsenal needed to win by two clear goals at Anfield to claim the First Division title, and they did just that with a last-minute winner from Michael Thomas. It remains a moment of legend for Arsenal fans.
Liverpool 4-4 Arsenal (2009)
A thrilling match where Andrey Arshavin stole the show by scoring all four goals for Arsenal. Despite Arshavin's heroics, Liverpool kept coming back, and the game ended in an electrifying 4-4 draw. It is remembered as one of the most entertaining Premier League matches of the modern era.
Liverpool 5-1 Arsenal (2019
)
Liverpool completely dismantled Arsenal in this encounter, scoring five goals in reply after Arsenal took a 1-0 lead. Hat-trick hero Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mo Salah led the charge for the Reds in one of their most dominant performances against the Gunners.
Tactical Analysis – Arsenal v Liverpool
Tactically, Arsenal faces a significant challenge due to their injury problems, especially in defense. Mikel Arteta will likely rely on experienced players like Declan Rice and Thomas Partey to hold the midfield together and shield the makeshift backline.
With key creative players like Ødegaard and Saka potentially missing, Arsenal’s wide players, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Raheem Sterling, will need to step up and provide an attacking threat.
Liverpool is expected to play their usual high-intensity pressing game. Their front three of Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz (or Cody Gakpo), and Darwin Núñez will look to exploit Arsenal's defensive weaknesses, particularly if the Gunners are forced to field an inexperienced backline.
In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai has been key to Liverpool's creative play, and his ability to unlock Arsenal’s defense could be crucial. Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté will likely lead Liverpool’s defense and look to contain Arsenal’s attacking threats.
Arsenal v Liverpool Prediction
Given Arsenal’s injury woes and Liverpool’s current form, it's strange that the visitors do not enter this match as slight favorites. However, Arsenal’s home advantage and resilience should not be underestimated.
Bet365 has the Gunners 2.50 to win the game, with Liverpool 2.90 and the draw a 3.25 option.
The game promises to be tightly contested, but Liverpool’s clinical attack and stability at the back could give them the edge in a narrow win.
Predicted scoreline: Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool.
This game is critical for both teams as they aim to keep pace at the top of the table. Liverpool will be keen to maintain their unbeaten run and strengthen their hold on first place, while Arsenal will be eager to bounce back and prove they can still challenge for the title despite their recent setbacks.
Ian John is a seasoned Sports Writer and UK gambling expert with over a decade of experience at Bonus Code Poker. For the past 10 years, he has been providing readers with insightful analysis and expert opinions on sports betting and poker.
#AD – Bonus Code Poker is an affiliate of the brands we promote throughout this site. While we strive to maintain accuracy throughout our content, we do receive compensation for this promotion.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are OK with it.YESNo