Two early Premier League title contenders meet this Sunday as Liverpool welcome Arsenal to Anfield. Both sides have begun the new campaign with maximum points, and with Tottenham also perfect, the trio currently share the summit. This encounter provides the first major test of the season’s title credentials, with both managers keen to lay down a marker in the race for silverware.
When & where? / Kick-off details
The fixture takes place on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at Anfield, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm BST.
Team news
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Arne Slot has few injury concerns in his Liverpool squad. New signing Jeremie Frimpong is unavailable due to a hamstring issue, while Harvey Elliott could miss out as speculation around a move to RB Leipzig intensifies. Virgil van Dijk escaped injury despite a strong challenge at Newcastle, and Conor Bradley’s return should allow Dominik Szoboszlai to resume his usual midfield role. Rising star Rio Ngumoha, fresh from his match-winning cameo at St James’ Park, is unlikely to feature prominently given his age.
Arsenal’s team news is less straightforward. Kai Havertz is sidelined following knee surgery, while Mikel Arteta is sweating on the availability of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka after both suffered knocks in the win over Leeds. Eberechi Eze, Arsenal’s headline summer arrival, could be handed a debut at Anfield, while Viktor Gyokeres is expected to retain his place in attack. Christian Norgaard remains a fitness doubt, with teenager Max Dowman unlikely to be risked from the start.
Tactical analysis
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Liverpool’s attacking rhythm has been clear in their opening two games, with seven goals scored already. Yet, defensive fragility has surfaced, particularly against quick counter-attacks. Slot’s side push numbers high in possession, leaving space in behind for pacey forwards to exploit. Against an Arsenal side comfortable springing into transitions, this could be decisive.
Arsenal, in contrast, have blended control with ruthlessness. Arteta’s side remain unbreached in the league so far, with a balanced defensive structure supporting their fluid attacking combinations. If Odegaard and Saka are absent, Arsenal may lean more on Gyokeres’ physical presence and Eze’s creativity to unsettle Liverpool’s back line. The midfield battle—Mac Allister and Szoboszlai against Rice and Jorginho—could dictate the tempo and determine who gains territorial dominance.
Key players
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian remains Liverpool’s most consistent attacking threat and will be vital in stretching Arsenal’s defence.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): Returning to midfield, his energy and ball progression are essential for Slot’s high-tempo style.
Declan Rice (Arsenal): A pivotal anchor in front of the defence, tasked with halting Liverpool’s surges and launching transitions.
Eberechi Eze (Arsenal): The potential debutant could provide unpredictability between the lines, adding a different creative spark.
Predicted Lineup
Predicted Liverpool lineup vs Arsenal: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Liverpool: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Eze, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
Prediction
With both sides full of attacking potential, this encounter promises to be open and fiercely contested. Liverpool’s defence has already shown vulnerabilities, particularly to counter-attacks, while Arsenal’s solidity and organisation give them a slight edge. If Arteta can call upon Saka or Odegaard, Arsenal’s chances of securing a statement win increase further. Nevertheless, Anfield remains a formidable venue, and a closely fought contest looks likely.
Prediction: Arsenal to win 2-1