Arsenal vs Liverpool: Match Preview and Team Updates

The Premier League title race has notably shifted in Arsenal‘s favor ahead of their match against Liverpool at the Emirates this Thursday.

With Manchester City and Aston Villa both dropping points recently, Arsenal could extend their lead to eight points at the top of the table.

Mikel Arteta’s team has made their home ground a stronghold this season. They face a Liverpool side that is unbeaten in nine but struggles with away consistency. This match is crucial for Arsenal as they aim for their first league title in over twenty years.

Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview and Team News

• Date: Thursday, 8 January 2026
• Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
• Venue: Emirates Stadium, London
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• VAR: John Brooks
• Last Meeting: Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal, 31 August 2025, Premier League

Team News

Arsenal

Arsenal is closely monitoring Kai Havertz, who is “very close” to returning after being rested. However, defensive players Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera are still recovering and are weeks away. New signing Piero Hincapie has been impressive, providing versatility in defense. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are expected to return to the starting lineup.

Liverpool

Liverpool faces challenges in their attack as top scorer Hugo Ekitike is doubtful with a hamstring issue and has not trained. Mohamed Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (leg) are definitely out, putting the goal-scoring pressure on Cody Gakpo, who has been performing well recently. Florian Wirtz is dealing with a hamstring problem but is likely to play, while several players remain long-term absentees.

Form

Arsenal

Arsenal is in a strong position, sitting six points ahead of Manchester City. A win would increase that lead to eight points with 17 matches left. They remain unbeaten at home this season and have won their last seven Premier League home games. Notably, they have defeated the reigning champions at home in the past two seasons.

Liverpool

Despite their away inconsistencies, Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai is a key player, involved in many open-play sequences leading to shots this season. Cody Gakpo has also performed well in London, scoring in three of his last four league games there. However, they must overcome a challenge as Bukayo Saka has found the net in three consecutive home league matches against Liverpool.

Predicted Lineups

Arsenal predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Liverpool predicted XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo

How to watch Arsenal vs Liverpool?

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, starting coverage at 19:00 GMT before the 20:00 kick-off.

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