Liverpool vs Arsenal Preview – Premier League 2025/26 | Form, Injuries, Lineups & Prediction | OneFootball

The Premier League rarely pauses for breath, but some fixtures demand the game itself to hold still for a moment.

On Sunday, 31 August 2025, Anfield transforms into the epicentre of English football as Liverpool welcome Arsenal in a clash that already feels season-defining. It is Gameweek 3, yet the stakes echo far beyond the calendar: this is the latest chapter in a rivalry that has begun to shape the modern title race.

Last season, Liverpool surged to the crown with a commanding 10-point cushion over Mikel Arteta’s Gunners, but Arsenal’s resurgence under the Spaniard has re-forged them as genuine challengers. Both arrive at Anfield unbeaten, both brimming with attacking intent, and both carrying the weight of expectation. Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have blended fresh marquee signings with the firepower of Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, storming past Bournemouth before edging Newcastle in a dramatic late triumph. Arsenal, by contrast, have made a dilligent start-1-0 at Old Trafford, followed by a ruthless 5-0 dismantling of Leeds-despite juggling an injury list that strips them of some of their brightest stars.

History between these two giants insists on drama: draws laced with late goals, contests defined by narrow margins, and an atmosphere at Anfield that amplifies every tackle, every counter, and every mistake. This is not merely another early-season fixture-it is a psychological arm wrestle for control of the title race, where three points could tilt momentum and belief decisively.

The questions abound: can Slot find the defensive balance his Liverpool need while keeping their thrilling edge? Can Arteta’s Arsenal overcome the absences of Bukayo Saka and possibly Martin Ødegaard, leaning on new arrivals like Viktor Gyökeres and Eberechi Eze to deliver on the biggest stage? And crucially, who seizes midfield supremacy-the engine room where titles are so often won and lost?

Anfield awaits. The season’s narrative is still being written, but on Sunday, it will be written in bold strokes.

Current Form

Liverpool (Last 5 matches):

W vs Newcastle (2-3)

W vs Bournemouth (4-2)

L in Community Shield vs Palace (on penalties)

W (pre-season) vs Athletic Club (3-2)

W (pre-season) vs Athletic Club (4-1)

Transfers: Upgraded squad with marquee additions-Florian Wirtz (potential British record), Hugo Ekitiké, Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong – aiming to strengthen depth and rotation.

Arsenal (Last 5 matches):

W vs Leeds United (5-0)

W at Manchester United (1-0)

W in Emirates Cup vs Athletic Club (3-0)

L in pre-season vs Villarreal (2-3)

L in pre-season vs Tottenham (0-1)

Transfers: Upgraded squad with marquee additions- Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, while Noni Madueke, Christhian Norgaard, Cristian Mosquera, Kepa Arrizabalaga were signed; aiming to strengthen depth and rotation.

Arsenal sit top with six points (two wins from two), while Liverpool match them with six- but with a lower goal difference.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Premier League Meetings)

Accurate Last Five Competitive Meetings (as of Aug 2025)

The fixture has been tight and competitive; recent results show no clear dominance from either side.

Injury News & Suspensions

Liverpool:

Jeremie Frimpong (RB) is ruled out until after the international break with a hamstring injury.

Conor Bradley could return after making a late appearance at St James’ Park.

Arsenal:

Bukayo Saka is out for approximately four weeks with a fresh hamstring injury.

Martin Ødegaard is doubtful due to a shoulder issue but not ruled out entirely.

Kai Havertz is ruled out with a knee injury and may require surgery.

Eberechi Eze is in line for a potential debut, adding depth despite absences.

Manager POV

Arne Slot is seeking better defensive balance while integrating his summer signings.

Mikel Arteta is managing high-profile absences and integrating Eze to maintain creativity and quality.

Predicted Lineups

Liverpool (likely 4-3-3):

GK: Alisson

RB: Conor Bradley (if deemed fit) / Szoboszlai as a makeshift RB

CBs: Van Dijk, Konaté

LB: Milos Kerkez

CM: Szoboszlai/Jones, Gravenberch, Wirtz

Forwards: Salah (RW), Gakpo (LW), Ekitiké (ST)

Arsenal (predicted 4-3-3):

GK: Raya

DEF: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori

MID: Zubimendi, Rice, Merino

Attack: Madueke (RW), Gyökeres (ST), Eze (LW) (debut)

Tactical Preview & Key Battles

Right-Back Role (Liverpool): With Frimpong out, Bradley must balance defensive solidity with overlapping support. If he is deemed unfit to start, then the onus falls on Szoboszlai to replicate his brilliant performance against Newcastle, once again on home turf this time.

Midfield Balance: Liverpool’s midfield trio (Szoboszlai/Jones, Gravenberch, Wirtz) versus Arsenal’s compact structure with Rice, Zubimendi, and potentially debuting Eze or Merino.

Wings & Creativity Void: Absence of Saka and potentially Ødegaard leaves Arsenal light on wide and creative flare; Eze must add spark.

Defensive Cohesion (Liverpool): Slot’s tactical emphasis is stability at the back; any slip-ups could be punished by Gyökeres or Eze’s movement.

Psychological Edge: Arsenal’s perfect start boosts confidence; Liverpool’s title-winning aura and home advantage provide a counterbalance.

Key Duels: Salah/Gakpo vs Arsenal’s fullbacks; midfield control; set-piece exploitation from both sides.

Predicted Scoreline

Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal

Liverpool edge the midfield battle and exploit Arsenal’s absences through incisive attacking transitions.

Arsenal respond via set-pieces and counterattacks, with Gyökeres a focal threat.

Tight and tactical, but home advantage and sharper attacking cohesion give Liverpool the edge.

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