Liverpool travel to face Arsenal in the Premier League with a depleted front line, leaving Arne Slot with little option but to approach the game with a cautious mindset.
While Liverpool are now unbeaten in their last nine matches, they haven’t set the world alight with their style of play.
The last two matches have ended in draws and supporters would like to see a more aggressive style. However, that can wait for one game longer.
Despite the Reds having beaten them earlier this season, Arsenal are very much favourites at the Emirates and this is a rare occasion when a draw would be accepted by much of the fanbase.
Liverpool Predicted XI vs. Arsenal: A quick look
• No Changes: With Hugo Ekitike yet to train this week, Arne Slot may be forced into fielding the same side that drew at Fulham
• Frimpong Decision: Arguably the biggest contender to come in is Jeremie Frimpong, who would hopefully stretch Arsenal and give Liverpool an outlet on the right
• Alternative XI: Andy Robertson is also in with a shout playing, having not let Liverpool down when called upon this season – we think it will be Milos Kerkez again, though
Here’s how Liverpool could line up.
Team news
Here’s what Slot revealed in his press conference:
Liverpool’s XI vs. Arsenal
LONDON, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 4, 2026: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai during the FA Premier League match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC at Craven Cottage. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Given that Ekitike is unlikely to start, Slot should will probably elect to go with the same starting XI as last time out against Fulham.
This would see Curtis Jones play on the left, with Florian Wirtz playing in behind unnatural striker Cody Gakpo.
On the right, we should see Dominik Szoboszlai, as the Hungarian is arguably most effective in away games when the opposition are fit and likely to make Liverpool run more than at Anfield against a low block.
Here are Slot’s likely selection options:
Slot makes no changes to his starting XI, with his squad hampered by injuries and AFCON
Federico Chiesa remains on the bench despite Ekitike, Alexander Isak and Mo Salah‘s absences
Conor Bradley retains his place at right-back after setting up Wirtz’s equaliser against Fulham
This is how Liverpool would line up:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones, Mac Allister, Szoboszlai; Wirtz, Gakpo
While the bar isn’t exactly high, Jeremie Frimpong has been one of Liverpool’s more impressive players since he returned from injury.
The Dutchman provided pace in starts against Wolves and Leeds, as well as off the bench at Fulham, and his ability to stretch teams is an asset Liverpool sorely lack elsewhere.
Therefore, he could be called upon to start by Slot, but we would expect this to be as a right midfielder rather than at full-back.
This would likely mean Szoboszlai shifting to a more central role and Alexis Mac Allister dropping out, with Jones keeping his place on the left.
Here’s how this alternate team would look:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Wirtz, Gakpo
Despite Arsenal being 14 points clear of Liverpool, this game is likely to be a close contest unless Mikel Arteta’s side score early.
If the hosts get an early set-piece goal, it would allow them to sit back and pick Liverpool off. However, if the score is even at half time, Liverpool have a chance given their recent record against the Gunners.
Four of the last six league encounters have ended level and the Reds have scored in each of their last 20 league meetings.