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Few fixtures in English football carry as much weight as Liverpool versus Arsenal at Anfield. It is a meeting of tradition, passion, and high stakes, and Sunday’s clash promises to be no different. Both clubs have started the new Premier League season with ambition, and this encounter could give us a clearer picture of who is ready to mount a serious title challenge.
With Liverpool set to welcome Alexis Mac Allister back into the fold and Arsenal dealing with injuries to some of their biggest stars, the game has all the ingredients of a fascinating contest. Let’s break down the latest team news, recent form, and what to expect when the Reds host the Gunners in front of a packed Anfield crowd.
Liverpool’s Team News: Mac Allister Returns
Liverpool boss Arne Slot gave supporters reasons to be optimistic on Friday morning. The head coach confirmed that Alexis Mac Allister has returned to full training after missing the 3-2 victory away at Newcastle earlier in the week. The Argentinian midfielder, known for his creativity and work rate, should slot straight back into midfield.
Slot also revealed that Virgil van Dijk is fine to feature, while Conor Bradley has completed a full week of training. Importantly, the squad came through the trip to St. James’ Park without picking up fresh injuries.
The only absentee of note remains Jeremie Frimpong, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Otherwise, Liverpool will head into the game with a strong and confident group, something that could make a big difference against an Arsenal side dealing with more uncertainty.
Arsenal’s Injury Concerns
Mikel Arteta faces a very different situation. His Arsenal squad is carrying several question marks, with Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz confirmed as unavailable. Saka sustained an injury in their win over Leeds, while Havertz has undergone surgery for a knee problem picked up against Manchester United.
The biggest concern for Arteta, however, is captain Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian playmaker has not trained this week and remains a doubt for Anfield. Arteta admitted he is pushing hard to be available, but a late fitness test will decide his fate.
New signing Eberechi Eze could be handed his debut after completing a move from Crystal Palace, although Arteta gave little away about whether he will start or come off the bench. Christian Norgaard and Ben White are also being assessed ahead of the match. Gabriel Jesus is still recovering from long-term injury and will not feature.
With so many uncertainties, Arsenal’s lineup could look very different from what supporters are used to seeing.
Last Time Out: Contrasting Wins
Both teams head into this match off the back of wins, though achieved in very different styles.
Liverpool earned a thrilling 3-2 victory away at Newcastle, showing resilience and cutting edge when it mattered most. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, and Hugo Ekitike underlined the attacking options Slot has at his disposal. Alisson once again proved vital between the sticks, pulling off saves that kept the Reds in the game.
Arsenal, on the other hand, dismantled Leeds 5-0 at the Emirates. It was a display of dominance and fluid attacking football, with goals coming from across the front line. Their performance showcased just how dangerous they can be when their key players are firing, though that victory came before injuries to Saka and Odegaard clouded their preparations for Anfield.
Key Battles to Watch
Mohamed Salah vs Arsenal’s Defense
Salah remains Liverpool’s talisman. His ability to drift into pockets of space and punish mistakes has tormented Arsenal in the past. With Ben White a possible doubt, Arsenal’s right-hand side could be vulnerable if Salah finds rhythm early.
Mac Allister vs Declan Rice
If Odegaard is absent, Arsenal will rely heavily on Declan Rice to anchor midfield. Mac Allister’s return gives Liverpool more control in the center of the pitch, setting up a fascinating duel between two international stars who know each other well.
Virgil van Dijk vs Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal’s new striker Viktor Gyokeres has already shown glimpses of why he was brought in. Strong, quick, and clinical, he will be a real test for van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate. Winning that battle could tilt the game in Liverpool’s favor.
Tactical Outlook
Arne Slot’s Liverpool have already shown signs of evolving into a side that blends high pressing with controlled possession. At Newcastle, they mixed patient build-up with devastating counterattacks, something that could be crucial against an Arsenal team that likes to dominate the ball.
For Arsenal, Arteta may need to be pragmatic. Without Saka’s direct running and Odegaard’s creativity, the Gunners may focus more on compact shape and transitions through players like Noni Madueke and Eze, if he makes his debut. How they cope without their two biggest attacking threats will shape the game.
Atmosphere at Anfield
Sunday’s clash is a 4.30pm kick-off at Anfield, and the home crowd is sure to play its part. Liverpool supporters know the importance of taking points off a direct rival, especially this early in the campaign. The Kop has often been a decisive factor in these big fixtures, lifting the Reds when needed most.
Arsenal, meanwhile, will need composure. Their record at Anfield in recent years has been poor, and overcoming that mental hurdle is just as important as the tactical battle on the pitch.
What This Match Means
While it is still early in the season, both sides know the value of a statement victory here. For Liverpool, a win would reinforce their strong start under Slot and boost belief that they can fight for the title. For Arsenal, taking three points at Anfield despite injuries would send a powerful message to the rest of the league that they are genuine contenders.
Even a draw could be valuable, though Arteta will want more than that. After years of near-misses in the Premier League, Arsenal know they need to start winning these big away games to take the next step.
Predicted Lineups
Liverpool (4-3-3):
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch; Salah, Gakpo, Wirtz.
Arsenal (4-3-3, fitness permitting):
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Norgaard; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze.
If Odegaard is passed fit, he will likely replace Norgaard in midfield.
Prediction
Given Arsenal’s injury problems, Liverpool may feel this is the perfect opportunity to claim three points at Anfield. Mac Allister’s return gives them more balance in midfield, and Salah has a strong record against the Gunners.
Arsenal still have quality, especially with Rice and Gyokeres in the spine of the team, but missing Saka and possibly Odegaard could blunt their attack too much.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
Conclusion
Liverpool against Arsenal is always special, and Sunday’s game is set to continue that tradition. With the Reds close to full strength and the Gunners struggling with injuries, Anfield might just witness another memorable night for the home side. Whatever happens, it promises to be a high-quality contest between two clubs with their eyes firmly set on the Premier League crown.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
LiverpoolFCTimes.com