Arsenal vs Liverpool: Predicted lineups today and confirmed team news
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Metro or go back to LFC Live.
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates in a high-stakes Premier League clash between title contenders, with Mikel Arteta’s side viewed as slight favourites due to superior recent form and fitness. Arsenal have built momentum through an impressive first half of the season, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool arrive more inconsistent and dealing with key selection doubts.
Arteta is expected to field a near full-strength XI. Bukayo Saka should return to the starting lineup on the right after being managed carefully in recent games, while Leandro Trossard is set to replace Gabriel Martinelli on the left. In midfield, the trusted trio of Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice is likely to continue, with Rice in outstanding form as both a defensive shield and a goal threat.
At the back, Arsenal are expected to line up with David Raya in goal behind a stable defence of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel and Piero Hincapié. Injured defenders Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera remain unavailable, though squad depth has softened the impact. New striker Viktor Gyökeres is set to start up front, with competition from Gabriel Jesus on the bench.
For Liverpool, Slot’s main concern is up front, with Hugo Ekitiké a major doubt after missing recent action and not training fully. That increases the burden on Cody Gakpo, who is expected to lead the line. Behind him, creative talents Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz should support from attacking midfield, although Wirtz is managing a minor hamstring issue.
Liverpool’s predicted XI has Alisson in goal, protected by a back four of Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez, with Kerkez preferred for his pace. In midfield, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister are expected to anchor the side, with Curtis Jones also in contention for an advanced role.
Overall, the article frames this as Arsenal’s best opportunity in years to earn a convincing win over Liverpool, given their cohesion, home advantage and deeper options, though it recognises that Liverpool’s attacking quality still poses a significant threat.