Liverpool line-ups for Arsenal as Hugo Ekitike and Cody Gakpo decisions made

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Liverpool face Arsenal in a significant Premier League clash with several key selection dilemmas for manager Arne Slot. The focus is on how Liverpool will line up at the Emirates and how injuries and form will influence big calls in attack and midfield.

Hugo Ekitike is at the centre of attention after missing the Fulham game with a muscle problem, leaving his availability against Arsenal in major doubt. With the striker unlikely to feature, Cody Gakpo is widely tipped to continue as the central forward, having impressed in the role recently. This decision may see Liverpool persist with a system that uses Gakpo as the focal point, supported by a dynamic trio behind or around him.

There is also debate over the wide and attacking-midfield roles. Florian Wirtz is expected to be involved despite managing a hamstring issue, offering creativity from the left or as a roaming playmaker. Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister are likely to start, with Ryan Gravenberch competing strongly for a midfield berth. Different predicted XIs suggest variations between a 4-3-3 and a 4-2-3-1, but most agree on a core of Mac Allister, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Wirtz supporting Gakpo.

At the back, Alisson is certain to start in goal, with Conor Bradley at right-back and the trusted partnership of Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk in central defence. The main question in defence is at left-back, where some favour the youthful Milos Kerkez for his energy, while others argue for the experience and reliability of Andy Robertson in a high-stakes away fixture.

With Mohamed Salah still absent on international duty, Liverpool’s attacking depth is stretched, meaning Slot’s choices around Ekitike’s replacement, Gakpo’s role and the balance of the midfield will be decisive in shaping Liverpool’s approach at Arsenal.