Liverpool welcome defending champions Arsenal to Anfield for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash, hoping to cut the six-point gap between the sides in half.

Arsenal moved level with Manchester City on 21 points after a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates, with both goals coming from their centre-backs. Ezri Konsa put the Gunners ahead after just seven minutes, before Gabriel Magalhães doubled their lead with a second-half header.

Liverpool recorded a similar result in their latest Premier League outing, beating Brighton 2-0 at Anfield. Four minutes after Pascal Groß’s own goal, Alexander Isak turned home Bradley Barcola’s cross first time. The Reds saw out the victory to claim their first home league win of the season and keep their fourth clean sheet in the league.

Liverpool and Arsenal had very different nights in their midweek Carabao Cup ties. Both matches finished 1-1 before going to penalties, but Iraola’s side progressed to the quarter-finals after edging Chelsea 6-5 in the shootout. Arteta’s side, meanwhile, suffered a shock exit to League Two side Fleetwood Town, losing 5-3 on penalties.

Despite their Carabao Cup elimination, Arsenal have made a strong start to their Premier League title defence. The Gunners have won seven of their opening eight league fixtures, conceding just five goals and keeping five clean sheets.

Since their heavy 3-0 home defeat to Manchester City, Liverpool have won five consecutive games in all competitions. Alexander Isak has also impressed in front of goal: he sits second in the top-flight scoring charts with six goals, behind Erling Haaland.

Arsenal have not beaten Liverpool away from home in the top flight since September 2012. Their subsequent 13 league visits have produced five draws and eight defeats. Their last meeting at Anfield, on 31 August 2025, ended in a 1-0 victory for the hosts, while the return fixture at the Emirates on 8 January 2026 finished goalless. Liverpool remain the only club to have prevented the Gunners from scoring in both Premier League fixtures during the 2025/26 season.

Iraola’s side will be without Jeremie Frimpong, but Dominik Szoboszlai and Víctor Muñoz could return for Sunday’s clash.

For the visitors, Bukayo Saka remains sidelined after sustaining an injury against Bayern Munich, while Noni Madueke is a doubt for the trip to Merseyside. However, Arteta could welcome back Declan Rice, Riccardo Calafiori and Christos Tzolis, all of whom have returned to training ahead of the game.

The hosts will be aiming to extend their unbeaten home run against Arsenal in the league. The Gunners, meanwhile, could go top of the Premier League with at least a draw, following Manchester City’s defeat to Brighton on Saturday.

Prediction

History favours Liverpool. Arsenal have not won a league game at Anfield since September 2012, and most previews predict a draw. Liverpool have won their last three home matches in all competitions.

Arsenal have been brilliant away from home until recently. The Gunners win their opening six five road trips this season in all competitions. However, the Gunners have only won once on the road since the loss to Brighton.

Mikel Arteta’s men will be inspired to go for maximum points, breaking their 14-year winless jinx at Anfield as they look to get back to the summit of the Premier League. (The Guardian)