In-form Liverpool take on Arsenal at Anfield in what could be a Sunday blockbuster in the Premier League. The Gunners haven’t won a league match here since the 2012/13 season. Could Mikel Arteta end that winless drought?
Liverpool are hitting their stride under Andoni Iraola
The Anfield side may have drawn their opening two league matches, but since the 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest back at the end of August, Liverpool have lost just once. That came against Manchester City a few weeks ago, but the Reds have won four league and Champions League ties since, with a penalty shootout win over Chelsea occurring in midweek.
As such, Iraola’s side enter this clash brimming with confidence. A victory would see them close the gap to their opponents to just three points.
A 14-year unbeaten streak against the Gunners at Anfield is also on the line. The football world looked a lot different when Arsene Wenger’s side won 2-0 in September 2012.
Iraola will be counting on Alexander Isak to continue his rich vein of form on Sunday afternoon. The Swede has scored six Premier League goals across just eight matches so far this term.
In five games against the Gunners, he has netted twice. Don’t be surprised if Isak adds to that tally during this match.
Arsenal looking for instant reaction after EFL Cup defeat
Arsenal were overwhelming favorites to cruise to a comfortable victory over Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup a few days ago. What followed, however, was a disappointing showing by the North Londoners which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to their League Two opponents.
While it is only the EFL Cup, Arteta will still be frustrated nonetheless. Less games could prove to be a blessing in disguise though, especially as the club aim to defend their league crown.
The lack of depth on the bench was slightly worrying for Arteta in midweek and with players such as Bukayo Saka and William Saliba still missing, things aren’t going to get any easier with a trip to Anfield.
You have to go back to February 2024 for Arsenal’s last victory over their opponents and if they wish to remain close to Man City at the summit of the table, three points is a must. Viktor Gyökeres netted his first goal of the season in midweek and given Kai Hvaertz’s dismal display against Fleetwood, will the Swede start the game?
Arteta will certainly ring the changes for this match, which means Gyökeres could well be unleashed from the start. If so, he will look to net his first league goals of the season. The fans will be looking for an immediate reaction to the cup exit, that much is certain.
Team news
Giovanni Leoni, Conor Bradley, Hugo Ekitiké and Jeremie Frimpong are all confirmed absentees for Liverpool this weekend. Iraola could welcome back Dominik Szoboszlai and Victor Muñoz for the game, however, and Florian Wirtz is in contention to start after featuring against Chelsea.
As for Arsenal, Saliba and Saka will be missing, while Riccardo Calafiori and Noni Madueke remain doubts. Max Dowman is suspended for three matches after being sent off in midweek.
Prediction
On paper, this could be a thriller at Anfield between two teams siting near the summit of the table. Liverpool are in fine form, while the Gunners are desperate to keep pace with challengers Man City.
I’m going with a score draw. Liverpool 2 -2 Arsenal.
