Arsenal are in home action for the first time in 2026 as they welcome Liverpool to Emirates Stadium on Thursday evening.
The Gunners [came from behind](https://paininthearsenal.com/bournemouth-2-3-arsenal-player-ratings-as-rice-double-helps-gunners-come-from-behind) to defeat Bournemouth 3-2 last time out, making it five wins in a row in the Premier League. A Gabriel Magalhaes mistake allowed Evanilson to put the Cherries ahead, but the Brazilian soon made amends when he volleyed in a leveller just minutes later. Declan Rice turned the tables with a well-taken strike from the edge of the box before he grabbed his second with another fine finish. Eli Junior Kroupi pulled one back for the hosts with a stunning effort from range, but it wasn't enough as Mikel Arteta's side held on.
Liverpool failed to win for the 10th time this season in their previous game as they were held to a 2-2 draw at Fulham. Harry Wilson put the hosts in front, but Florian Wirtz levelled for Arne Slot's side before Cody Gakpo looked like he had won the game in the fourth minute of stoppage time. However, Harrison Reed snatched a point for the Cottagers when he rifled in an absolute howitzer from practically miles out.
Just as encounters between these two sides always seem to be, tomorrow's matchup is a crucial one for both teams. Arsenal will be looking to re-extend their lead over Manchester City at the top of the table while Liverpool will be searching for their first win of the New Year in hopes of strengthening their chances of qualifying for the Champions League.
Here's our preview of the Gunners' blockbuster clash with last season's champions.
On the hunt for another crucial win | Stuart MacFarlane/GettyImages
### What time does Arsenal vs Liverpool kick off?
Arsenal vs Liverpool kicks off on Thursday 8 January at 20:00 GMT.
* **When is kick off?** Thursday 8 January, 2025
* **What time is kick off?** 20:00 GMT
* **Where is it played?** Emirates Stadium
* **Referee:** Anthony Taylor
### Arsenal vs Liverpool last five meetings
**Date**
**Result**
**Competition**
31 August 2025
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal
Premier League
11 May 2025
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
Premier League
27 October 2024
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool
Premier League
4 February 2024
Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool
Premier League
7 January 2024
Arsenal 0-2 Liverpool
FA Cup
### Arsenal vs Liverpool head-to-head record
**Club**
**Wins**
**Draws**
**Losses**
Arsenal
83
66
96
Liverpool
96
66
83
### How to watch Arsenal vs Liverpool
**Country**
**TV channel/live stream**
United Kingdom
Sky Sports Main Event
Australia
Stan Sport
Canada
DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
United States
Peacock
### Arsenal team news
Kai Havertz could make a return to the bench after missing the win at Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference that the German has trained and he is confident he will be available soon.
Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman will all be absent once again as they continue to battle their respective injuries. Arteta won't be too disappointed though with his brilliant squad depth allowing him to cover their absence.
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke started in the victory on the South Coast, but they will likely drop to the bench with Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka returning to the wings on Thursday.
_**Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool:**_ _Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard_
### Liverpool team news
Liverpool are far from fortunate on the availability front as they remain without a number of key players due to varying circumstances.
Mohamed Salah is still away on international duty at AFCON so he won't be present, nor will Alexander Isak who is set to be absent for some time with a broken leg.
Hugo Ekitike missed the draw at Fulham due to muscular issues and Slot confirmed he is still yet to train so it is unlikely he will be involved at the Emirates.
Florian Wirtz is managing a hamstring problem, preventing him from playing at full fitness, but he is expected to be available for selection.
_**Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal:**_ _Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo_
### Arsenal vs Liverpool score prediction
A game against Liverpool is never easy, as Arsenal will be very aware of, but this is by far their best chance to secure a convincing victory over their Merseyside counterparts.
With their contrasting fitness and arguably form, the Gunners should be the strong favourites for this matchup. Arteta should be confident his side can take a good win tomorrow evening.
Arsenal won't be without challenge though as Liverpool will definitely cause them plenty of problems, but they should be able to see those off and take another crucial three points.
### Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 Liverpool