Arsenal Starting XI vs Liverpool: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Arsenal predicted lineup sharpened by Saka return for Liverpool visit

Arsenal’s approach to selection against Liverpool reflects control rather than caution. With the Premier League calendar compressed, Mikel Arteta has been calibrating minutes carefully, and this fixture at the Emirates Stadium is the moment to reassert his strongest hand.

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The headline decision concerns Bukayo Saka, expected to return to the starting lineup after being eased back against Bournemouth. He began that match on the bench before entering midway through the second half, a move shaped by Arsenal playing three times in a week. The expectation is that he now starts, refreshed and central to the attacking structure for the visit of Liverpool.

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Selection shifts in attack and midfield

There is also a strong case for Leandro Trossard to return, likely at the expense of Gabriel Martinelli, who failed to fully seize his opportunity last time out. Arteta’s rotation has been deliberate, but the emphasis here appears to be clarity rather than experimentation.

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In midfield, continuity is expected, with Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard providing control, progression and leadership. The spine remains intact for a game that demands authority in possession.

Injury picture and Havertz update

Arteta confirmed that Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain unavailable, although progress is being made.

“I think pretty soon they have to go to the last stage of the rehab,” Arteta said. “I think if everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”

The more intriguing call concerns Kai Havertz, who could return to the squad after being left out against Bournemouth to manage his workload. He has not featured since the opening day away at Manchester United.

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“Yeah, we are monitoring, obviously his load he has been out for a long time for two different reasons and he’s very close,” Arteta said. “He trained this morning again and hopefully we’re going to have him available and the best version of Kai Havertz.”

Bench roles and predicted XI

Despite limited recent minutes, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Jesus are again expected to start on the bench. Rotation is more likely in the FA Cup against Portsmouth, rather than here.

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Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3):Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Injured: Calafiori, Mosquera, DowmanDoubts: HavertzKick off: 8pm GMT, Thursday January 8, 2026TV: Sky SportsVenue: Emirates Stadium