The collision of Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium is framed by memory as much as momentum. Last season’s top two reconvene in North London with the Premier League table now telling a different story, one that reflects divergent trajectories rather than rivalry alone.
Arsenal can move eight points clear at the summit with victory, an outcome that would further reinforce their sense of inevitability after more than two decades without a league title. Liverpool, champions a year ago, arrive seeking relevance rather than dominance, locked in a congested top four race and forced to negotiate this fixture from a position of pursuit.
Midweek results have only sharpened the contrast. Manchester City being held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton & Hove Albion strengthened Arsenal’s grip on the race, while Liverpool were left to reflect on how draws have blunted their own progress.
Momentum builds at Emirates Stadium
Arsenal’s response to defeat at Aston Villa last month has been emphatic. Five consecutive wins have restored fluency and authority, lifting them six points clear of both City and Villa. The confidence is visible not only in results, but in selection decisions and game management.
Liverpool’s form is steadier than their league position suggests. They are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, yet draws against Sunderland, Leeds United twice, and Fulham have diluted momentum. Consistency has not translated into consolidation, and that is the tension hovering over this trip south.
Team news and selection calls
Arsenal’s injury list is thinning. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain sidelined, along with youngster Max Dowman. The expectation is that Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard return to the starting lineup after cameo roles in the 3-2 win over Bournemouth.
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At left back, Piero Hincapie is tipped to start ahead of Myles Lewis-Skelly. There is intrigue around Kai Havertz, omitted at the weekend, while Eberechi Eze hopes to reappear after his Carabao Cup outing against Crystal Palace.
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Liverpool’s concerns centre on Hugo Ekitike, who missed the 2-2 draw at Fulham with a hamstring issue. Arne Slot remains uncertain over his availability. With Alexander Isak injured and Mohamed Salah away at the Africa Cup of Nations, Cody Gakpo is the likely central option if Ekitike is ruled out.
Rotation at full back has become routine under Slot, raising the possibility of Joe Gomez and Andy Robertson starting to provide greater defensive control.
History and prediction
Slot remains unbeaten in three meetings with Mikel Arteta, following two 2-2 draws last season and a 1-0 win earlier this campaign, secured by a Dominik Szoboszlai free kick.
Historically, Liverpool edge the ledger with 96 wins to Arsenal’s 83, alongside 66 draws. Context, however, suggests a narrow home advantage. Arsenal are expected to win, though rarely comfortably in this fixture.
Prediction: Arsenal to win 2-0.