Preview: League leaders Arsenal host defending champions Liverpool

Arsenal’s comprehensive win over Aston Villa last week extended their mightily impressive record at the Emirates Stadium to 14 wins, two draws, and zero losses since May 2025. The Gunners have now picked up 28 out of a possible 30 points at home in the Premier League this term.

Including their penalty shootout victory over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup, Mikel Arteta’s side have emerged victorious after all seven matches in the last four weeks, showcasing great consistency through the busiest period of the season.

Although Liverpool are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run, they’re definitely not heading into this game in the best of shape. The dramatic conclusion at Craven Cottage on the weekend made it two consecutive draws for the Reds, leaving them with just four wins since the start of December.

The lack of attacking endeavour displayed by Arne Slot’s side has become a real source of frustration for fans in recent weeks, but their defence has also been far from solid.

Worse yet, the Dutch coach’s task is being further complicated by a number of key absences.

Arsenal are almost back to full strength after dealing with long injury lists for the last couple of months. Their only expected absences are Cristhian Mosquera and Riccardo Calafiori in defence, as well as teenage midfielder Max Dowman.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are particularly depleted in the attacking department. Hugo Ekitike’s minor hamstring issue left them without a recognised striker in the last game, with Alexander Isak set to be out for a few months following his leg fracture against Tottenham. The Frenchman is a major doubt for this match as well, while Mohamed Salah remains unavailable as his Egypt side have advanced to the AFCON quarter-finals.

The Reds’ lack of depth at centre-back has been a concern all season, and they will once again have to rely on Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk to see out the full 90 as Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo remain out.

Gabriel will fancy his chances of scoring in a third consecutive match since Liverpool’s record of 13 goals conceded from set-pieces is the joint-worst in the league. No team has scored more than Arsenal’s 12 goals from such situations, so Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice’s deliveries could prove just as crucial as their contributions from open play.

Alisson will surely be tested between the sticks, but Liverpool will be keen to pose an attacking threat themselves. Florian Wirtz has been on the scoresheet in three of their last four matches, while Arsenal will certainly also be aware of Dominik Szoboszlai’s threat after his stunning strike in the reverse fixture.

Arsenal should have enough quality to largely control proceedings, keep a clean sheet and win by a one or two goal margin.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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