Both teams scraped by in their midweek Champions League matches, with Arsenal narrowly defeating Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 and Liverpool edging past RB Leipzig by the same score. Arsenal fans had enjoyed a long unbeaten away run stretching back to New Year’s Eve 2023 until last weekend’s loss to Bournemouth, where they played a man down after William Saliba’s first-half red card.
Despite a solid defensive effort with 10 men, a goal from Ryan Christie and a penalty from Justin Kluivert snapped Arsenal’s streak. It also cost Arsenal a chance to go top, leaving them third, four points behind Liverpool.
Arsenal’s recent lack of creativity without Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka was evident again against Shakhtar, where they only won thanks to an own goal. Still, they’ve been strong at home, winning five straight at the Emirates and nine of their last ten. However, the absence of Saliba looms large—without him, their Premier League win rate falls to 45% from 74%.
Liverpool, under Arne Slot’s confident leadership, arrive at the Emirates in good form. They overcame a tough Chelsea side at Anfield last weekend, with a penalty from Mohamed Salah and a goal from Curtis Jones keeping them at the top, just ahead of Manchester City.
Their recent win in Leipzig added to an impressive eight-game winning streak, with Slot guiding Liverpool to six away wins and conceding just two goals in that span.
A win on Sunday would push Liverpool to 24 points from nine games—a milestone they last achieved in their 2019-20 title-winning season. Yet, Arsenal have had Liverpool’s number recently, winning the last two league meetings at the Emirates and staying unbeaten in their last four Premier League encounters, though Liverpool did knock them out of the FA Cup in January.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
With Saliba suspended, Kieran Tierney sidelined, and Takehiro Tomiyasu dealing with a fresh knee injury, losing yet another defender was the last thing Arteta needed on Tuesday. But that’s exactly what happened when Riccardo Calafiori had to leave the field in the second half after an awkward fall.Arteta acknowledged that Calafiori’s condition looked “not great,” and he wasn’t seen at training on Friday—nor were Jurrien Timber (muscle) or Bukayo Saka (hamstring).
Even so, Arteta didn’t rule them out entirely in his pre-game conference, hinting that at least a couple might still play. However, the same doesn’t seem likely for Martin Odegaard.
As for Saka, there’s optimism he might be ready for Liverpool’s visit, where Kai Havertz could potentially become the first Arsenal player since Thierry Henry to score in six consecutive home league matches.
Liverpool also face their own lineup challenges, as Alisson Becker remains out with a thigh injury. Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up well midweek with crucial saves to shut down Leipzig.
Joining Alisson in the recovery room are Harvey Elliott (foot) and Diogo Jota (abdominal), the latter’s absence meaning Darwin Nunez should lead the attack. Federico Chiesa and Conor Bradley are also question marks for Liverpool.
Slot, however, has a good problem to solve on the left wing, with both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo pushing for a start. In midfield, Curtis Jones’ winner against Chelsea likely won’t disrupt the solid setup of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and a revitalized Ryan Gravenberch.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal possible starting lineup:Raya; Timber, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Merino, Partey, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli
Liverpool possible starting lineup:
Kelleher; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Nunez
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 1-1 Liverpool
Liverpool had some close calls against Leipzig, and even without Saliba, Arsenal can still field a strong defense. Avoiding a loss will likely be Arsenal's main focus on Sunday, and a low-scoring draw might be the realistic outcome.
