The Premier League enters the preview of second half of the 2025/26 season. One of the fixtures capture the imagination quite like Arsenal vs Liverpool. This storied rivalry, steeped in history and high-stakes drama, promises another thrilling encounter on January 8, 2026.
Match Details
The game is scheduled for Thursday, January 8, 2026, kicking off at 20:00 GMT (3:00 p.m. ET) at the Emirates Stadium in London, England. This will be a Premier League Round 21 fixture with Arsenal vs Liverpool in a sold-out affair. The Emirates, with its capacity of over 60,000, has been a fortress for the Gunners this season. Moreover, they have dropped minimal points.
The broadcast preview details include live coverage on Sky Sports in the UK, Peacock and NBCSN in the US, and various international streams. Referee appointments are yet to be confirmed, but expect a high-profile official given the magnitude of the clash. Weather in London mid-January is typically cold and possibly rainy, but the pitch at Emirates is known for its pristine condition, unlikely to affect play.
This matchup comes amid a congested fixture list, following the holiday period and ahead of potential FA Cup ties. For Arsenal, it’s an opportunity to extend their lead at the top; for Liverpool, a chance to close the gap and reignite their title challenge.
🎙Chris Sutton thinks Arsenal will beat Liverpool comfortably, calling them bang average……..
🗣‘It’s their performances that are the problem, though. When you see them with your own eyes, they are miles off where they were when they won the title last season, and are nowhere… pic.twitter.com/4brKxF4OAL
— Arsenal Radar (@ArsenalRadar) January 6, 2026
Team News: Arsenal
Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal side enters the game in strong form. However, a few injury concerns could test their squad depth. Key defender Riccardo Calafiori is sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during a warm-up before their match against Brighton. A return expected in mid-January. This “awkward” injury, as described by Arteta, means the Italian will likely miss this fixture, forcing a reshuffle in the backline.
Young prospects Max Dowman and Chido Obi-Martin (listed as C. Mosquera in some reports) are also out: Dowman with an ankle injury until early February, and Mosquera similarly until mid-January. Kai Havertz, who has been absent for over four months due to an unspecified injury, is eyeing a January return but his status for this game remains uncertain.
On the suspension front of the preview, Arsenal has no major issues, with the team well below the yellow card threshold. Arteta could welcome back some rotation options, potentially starting Declan Rice in midfield after his recent strong performances. Up front, the likes of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus are expected to lead the line, with Martin Ødegaard pulling the strings in attack in Arsenal vs Liverpool. Arsenal’s depth in midfield and attack should help mitigate the defensive absences.
Team News: Liverpool
Liverpool’s injury list is more extensive, which could hamper their preparations under manager Arne Slot. Striker Hugo Ekitike’s availability is in doubt, with recent updates suggesting he might not feature against Arsenal. Star forward Alexander Isak is out with an ACL injury, a long-term absence that’s a significant blow to their attacking options.
Midfielder Wataru Endo is dealing with a knock. He will be back in mid-January. While young talents Giovanni Leoni (cruciate ligament injury until August), Stefan Bajcetic, and Jayden Danns remain on the long-term injury list. Defender Andy Robertson and others like Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones have been mentioned in older reports. However, current updates indicate the squad is thin, particularly in defense and midfield.
No suspensions loom large, but Liverpool’s recent draws highlight fatigue or form issues. Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz will be crucial in attack, with Trent Alexander-Arnold providing creativity from the right. Slot may opt for a more conservative setup given the away challenge.
Recent Form
Arsenal has been imperious lately, topping the Premier League table as of January 6, 2026. Their festive period was fruitful: a 4-1 home win over Aston Villa on December 30, followed by a gritty 3-2 victory away at Bournemouth on January 3. These results showcase their resilience and attacking prowess, with goals spread across the team. The Gunners have won their last five league games, scoring 14 goals while conceding just four.
Liverpool, sitting fourth, has hit a minor slump. They drew 0-0 at home to Leeds United on January 1 and followed with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Fulham on January 4, conceding a 97th-minute equalizer. While unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions, the draws have cost them points in the title race. Their attack has been potent but defense leaky, conceding in four of their last five games.
Head-to-Head Record
This rivalry dates back over a century, with 236 meetings across all competitions. Liverpool holds a slight edge with 90 wins to Arsenal’s 81, and 65 draws. At the Emirates, however, Arsenal has fared better recently, winning three of the last five home league games against Liverpool.
This preview also talk about memorable clashes that include the 1989 title decider (Arsenal vs Liverpool with Arsenal 2-0 win at Anfield). More recent high-scoring affairs like the 3-3 draw in 2023. Liverpool’s last win at Emirates was a 2-0 victory in 2022, but Arsenal’s current home dominance suggests they’ll fancy their chances.
Key Players to Watch and Tactical Battles
For Arsenal, Bukayo Saka’s pace and creativity on the wing could exploit Liverpool’s defensive vulnerabilities. Declan Rice’s midfield dominance will be key in breaking up Liverpool’s counters. On the Liverpool side, Mohamed Salah remains a constant threat, with his goal-scoring record against Arsenal (nine in 14 games) making him the man to stop.
In the tactical preview, expect Arteta’s high-pressing 4-3-3 to clash with Slot’s possession-based approach. The battle in midfield—Ødegaard vs. Ryan Gravenberch—could decide control, while set-pieces might prove decisive given both teams’ proficiency.
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