Arsenal vs Liverpool preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

The Gunners are 14 points ahead of the Reds, who are one of the only two teams to have inflicted defeat on them this season.

Arsenal arrive brimming with belief after another dramatic success last time out. Their thrilling 3-2 comeback win away at Bournemouth extended an excellent run of form to seven victories across all competitions, five of which have come in the league. 

That surge has opened up a six-point cushion at the top of the table after Manchester City dropped points against Chelsea, and confidence is sky-high in north London.

Arsenal’s dominance at home has been one of the defining features of their season. Mikel Arteta’s men have won 14 of their 15 matches at the Emirates in all competitions, drawing the other, and are currently on a 12-game winning streak on their own patch. 

That formidable home record will fuel belief that they can at least protect their lead at the summit.

History also offers encouragement, as the Gunners have beaten the reigning champions in each of their last two home league fixtures, although claiming a third straight win in this specific scenario would be something they have not achieved since the 1960s.

Liverpool, meanwhile, make the trip south looking to spoil the party. A gut-wrenching 97th-minute equaliser conceded against Fulham denied them all three points at the weekend, but Arne Slot’s side remain difficult to overcome and firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish.

Despite not always sparkling, they are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions (W5, D4), with more than half of those games coming away from home. Their recent form in London is respectable too, having picked up two wins from their last three league visits to the capital.

Liverpool boast more Premier League victories over Arsenal than any other side, with 26 wins in the competition. The Reds are also chasing a league double after edging the reverse fixture 1-0 earlier in the season.

Across all competitions, Liverpool have lost just two of the last 13 meetings between the sides (W6, D5), underlining how tight this rivalry has been in recent years.

Arsenal will be without Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera and Max Dowman, all sidelined through injury. Aside from those absences, Arteta has a strong squad available for this crucial clash.

Liverpool’s list of unavailable players is longer. Mohamed Salah remains away on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Wataru Endo is out with an ankle problem. 

Alexander Isak and Giovanni Leoni are both long-term absentees. There is better news in attack, as Hugo Ekitike is expected to be available after missing the draw with Fulham.

Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Trossard, Saka, Gyokeres

Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Szoboszlai, Mac Allister, Gakpo; Ekitike

Arsenal’s relentless home form gives them a clear edge, especially against a Liverpool side missing key players. However, the Reds’ unbeaten run and strong head-to-head record suggest they will not go quietly.

Correct score prediction: Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool

Betting tips:

Arsenal to win

Both teams to score

Over 2.5 goals