Head to head: Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta pit their wits as Liverpool face Arsenal at Anfield
A blockbuster showdown between likely title rivals headlines the early Premier League season slate at Anfield this afternoon. Arsenal head to Merseyside full of confidence having started their latest campaign with victory at Manchester United and a drubbing of newly-promoted Leeds that saw summer signing Viktor Gyokeres off the mark, though the injuries are already piling up for Mikel Arteta with Bukayo Saka sidelined again and captain Martin Odegaard battling to be fit.
Liverpool have made an eventful start to their championship defence, with goals not a problem but defensive frailties leading to cause for concern. The Reds withstood a late Bournemouth fightback to win 4-2 on opening night before teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha sealed victory at Newcastle with a dramatic last-gasp effort, with Arne Slot now eager to see swift improvements at the back.
Alexis Mac Allister should return for the Reds today in a key midfield boost, with Conor Bradley and Virgil van Dijk also fit. Liverpool are in pursuit of both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi before the transfer deadline, while Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Piero Hincapie. Follow Liverpool vs Arsenal live below, with expert analysis from Simon Collings at Anfield.
Early Liverpool team news
Liverpool should get a key injury boost when they host Arsenal in a huge Premier League showdown today.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Friday, Slot confirmed that captain Virgil van Dijk is fit to face Arsenal after being on the receiving end of a nasty tackle that resulted in Anthony Gordon being sent off.
Furthermore, the Dutchman confirmed there were no fresh fitness worries with Conor Bradley and Alexis Mac Allister - who missed the win over Newcastle - taking part in training this week.ac Allister. With summer signing Jeremie Frimpong sidelined, there is an opening at right-back.
Dominik Szoboszlai got the nod there at St James’ Park and played well enough to retain his place. That said, Mac Allister is likely to replace Curtis Jones in midfield, thus reuniting with Ryan Gravenberch.
Liverpool’s front three is expected to remain unchanged for the fourth game in a row as Hugo Ekitike leads the line as he goes in search of keeping up his goal-a-game record.
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TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. Coverage will begin at 4pm BST ahead of a 4.30pm kick-off.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website, as well as Now TV.
Good afternoon and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal.
It’s an early clash in the season between the two title favourites as the champions host, who many believe are their biggest challengers.
A win for either today would be considered a huge title statement, while the Gunners will likely walk away happy with a draw.
Kick-off at Anfield is at 4.30pm. Simon Collings is there for us today.