Arsenal, top of the Premier League, host reigning champions Liverpool in a high-stakes clash at Emirates Stadium, London, on Thursday, January 8, at 8:00 PM GMT. The Gunners, who finished as runners-up last season, are seeking their first league title since 2003, while Liverpool aim to halt their slide in a campaign that has so far failed to live up to last term’s triumph.

How to Follow the Match

Fans can follow the pre-match build-up from 17:00 GMT via Al Jazeera Sport’s text commentary stream, offering live updates, analysis, and team news.

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Arsenal Form and Premier League Title Push

Manager Mikel Arteta has guided Arsenal to the summit of the league with a near-perfect start. The north London club has suffered only one defeat in 21 matches, that being an early-season loss to Liverpool at Anfield.

Arsenal have impressed both offensively and defensively, scoring freely while maintaining a stingy backline. Key players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and Leandro Trossard have been instrumental in the club’s strong start.

Currently, Arsenal hold a six-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City, who are facing Brighton at the Etihad Stadium. Aston Villa also remain in contention but were heavily beaten 4-1 by Arsenal on December 30, a result that dealt a blow to their title ambitions.

Arsenal’s home record is formidable, with nine wins from ten matches at Emirates Stadium, scoring 26 goals and conceding just five.

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Liverpool’s Struggles This Season

Liverpool began the campaign strongly but have since faltered. The Reds started with five consecutive league wins but lost four straight matches afterward, and consistency has been a major concern.

Manager Arne Slot remains optimistic:

“It is nine games unbeaten, but we have definitely had two draws too many. The talent is there, but consistency isn’t.”

Liverpool have also been affected by squad disruptions. Mohamed Salah is currently away at AFCON with Egypt, and summer signings like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz have yet to fully integrate. Defensively, the Reds have conceded 28 goals in 20 matches, up from 41 last season.

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Previous Meetings

• Last season at Emirates Stadium: 2-2 draw; Arsenal twice led through Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, but Mohamed Salah equalized late.
• Early-season clash at Anfield (August 31, 2025): Liverpool won 1-0, Dominik Szoboszlai scoring a late free-kick.
• Last Arsenal victory over Liverpool: February 2024, 3-1 at Emirates, in a fiery encounter featuring nine yellow cards and a sending-off.

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Arsenal vs Liverpool: Stat Attack

Arsenal:

• Current winning streak: 7 matches
• Goals scored: 13 in streak, 26 at home
• Goals conceded: 6 in streak, 5 at home
• Unbeaten home record

Liverpool:

• Unbeaten in 9 matches, last 2 draws in league
• Goals scored: 12 in last 7 league matches
• Goals conceded: 8 in same period
• Road form weaker: 4 wins, 2 draws, 4 losses; 18 goals conceded away

Head-to-Head:

• Total meetings: 246
• Liverpool wins: 95
• Arsenal wins: 81
• Recent trend: Liverpool unbeaten in 3 matches against Arsenal (1 win, 2 draws)

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Team News and Predicted Lineups

Arsenal

• Out: Max Dowman, Cristhian Mosquera (ankle injuries)
• Doubt: Riccardo Calafiori (unspecified injury), Kai Havertz (rested, on bench)

Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Raya
• Defense: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie
• Midfield: Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice
• Attack: Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

Liverpool

• Out: Mohamed Salah (AFCON), Alexander Isak (long-term), Giovanni Leoni, Wataru Endo
• Doubt: Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz (hamstring)

Predicted Lineup (4-3-3):

• Goalkeeper: Alisson
• Defense: Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez
• Midfield: Mac Allister, Gravenberch
• Attack: Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo

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Match Outlook

Arsenal are favorites given their home dominance and Liverpool’s inconsistency, but Premier League history suggests anything can happen in a fixture of this magnitude. Key battles to watch: Arsenal’s attack vs Liverpool’s defense, the midfield duel involving Ødegaard and Gravenberch, and the influence of Saka and Trossard in turning the tide.