Arsenal vs Liverpool Preview: Premier League 2025-26 Showdown at the Emirates
A literal “Happy New Year” for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta’s league leaders continue to flourish while their closest rivals stumble. Gameweek 20 saw the Gunners overcome a shaky start against Bournemouth, with Gabriel Magalhaes’s early error punished by Evanilson, only for Arsenal to respond in style.
Declan Rice netted his first-ever Premier League brace after 296 appearances, while Brazilian forward Evanilson made amends with a late strike, securing a thrilling 3-2 comeback for Arsenal. Meanwhile, across London, Chelsea salvaged a late draw against Manchester City thanks to Enzo Fernandez, leaving the defending champions six points behind Arsenal—though a victory in midweek fixtures could narrow the gap.
Arsenal’s focus remains unwavering. The Gunners are on a seven-match winning streak across all competitions, including five consecutive Premier League victories. Although only two of those wins came by more than one goal, grinding out results even when not at full strength is a hallmark of a title-contending side.
At the Emirates, Arsenal have been near unbeatable this season, winning 14 of 15 home games, including 12 in a row. A victory over Liverpool could mark a historic third consecutive home win against the Reds, something not achieved since the early 1960s.
Liverpool, on the other hand, are struggling for consistency. Back-to-back draws against Leeds (0-0) and Fulham (2-2) have replaced recent optimism with caution. Despite going unbeaten in nine of their last ten games, supporters are wary as the team’s four-goal thriller against Fulham exposed defensive frailties. Their sole win against Arsenal this season came at Anfield in August, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick, but recent Emirates outings suggest their title hopes are fading.
Recent Form
Arsenal (Premier League): L W W W W W
Arsenal (All Competitions): W W W W W W
Liverpool (Premier League): D W W W D D
Liverpool (All Competitions): W W W W D D
Team News
Arsenal:
Arteta has selection headaches in a positive sense, with only Max Dowman (ankle), Cristhian Mosquera (ankle), and Riccardo Calafiori (unspecified) unavailable. Kai Havertz, rested against Bournemouth, may again sit out as depth in attack allows rotation. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard are set to return, with Saka eyeing a record as the first Arsenal player to score in four consecutive league home games versus Liverpool.
Liverpool:
Mohamed Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (leg) are out, while Hugo Ekitike has yet to train following a muscular issue. Florian Wirtz is managing a hamstring problem but is expected to feature. Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Wataru Endo (ankle) remain sidelined. Jeremie Frimpong could be a tactical option at right-back or on the wing.
Predicted Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo
With Arsenal in sparkling form at home and Liverpool grappling with injuries and inconsistency, Thursday’s clash at the Emirates promises high drama as the Gunners look to extend their lead at the top.