Predicted Liverpool Starting XI for Premier League clash vs. Arsenal
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Predicted Liverpool Starting XI for Premier League Clash vs Arsenal
Ahead of Liverpool's crucial Premier League match against title-favorites Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday, January 8, 2026 (8pm GMT, Sky Sports), manager Arne Slot faces significant selection dilemmas due to injuries and international duty.[1][4][5]
Key Injury Concerns
Striker Hugo Ekitike is a major doubt after missing the recent 2-2 draw at Fulham with a muscle/hamstring injury. Slot confirmed Ekitike hasn't trained as of Wednesday, though he hopes for a late recovery.[1][3][4][5] Fellow forward Alexander Isak is out with a broken leg (fibula fracture) from late December, while long-term absentees include Giovanni Leoni (ACL, out until August) and others like Stefan Bajčetić.[3][4] Star winger Mohamed Salah is unavailable due to AFCON duty with Egypt.[4][5]
Predicted Liverpool XI (4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1)
With strikers depleted, Cody Gakpo is set to lead the line after scoring against Fulham.[1][2][3] The attack could feature Florian Wirtz on the left, Jeremie Frimpong or Dominik Szoboszlai on the right, and midfielders Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Szoboszlai.[1][2][3] Defense likely includes Alisson Becker in goal; Conor Bradley, Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Andrew Robertson or Milos Kerkez at left-back.[1][2][3] Curtis Jones may feature in advanced midfield.[2][3]
Consensus Predicted XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Frimpong, Gakpo, Wirtz.[1]
Arsenal Context
Arsenal (15-3-2, 48 pts) host struggling Liverpool (10-4-6, 34 pts) seeking revenge for an earlier Anfield loss.[4][5] Gunners' predicted XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard. Top scorers include Trossard and Gyökeres (5 goals each).[2][5]
Liverpool's recent lineup vs Fulham: Alisson, Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Jones, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Gakpo.[6] Slot emphasizes mental readiness against in-form Arsenal.[5]
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