Arsenal vs Liverpool – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates

We’re barely ten games into the new Premier League season, but Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates could already have massive title implications. That’s right—the stakes are sky-high as Liverpool head to Arsenal’s home turf. Fans, get ready because this promises to be 90 minutes of captivating, edge-of-your-seat football that you won’t want to miss.

Arsenal and Liverpool have been setting the pace this Premier League season, and now we’re in for a blockbuster clash that could set the title race on fire. Liverpool sit on top with 21 points from eight games, while Arsenal are right in the mix, just four points behind in third. With a win on Sunday, the Gunners could slash Liverpool’s lead to a single point, sending a clear message that they’re in this race to win it. The Emirates is ready for 90 minutes of pure intensity, where every tackle, pass, and goal could shift the season’s balance. Who will rise to the occasion in this monumental clash? Amidst all the questions and narrative surrounding the clash, one thing’s certain—Sunday’s showdown is as high-stakes as it gets. 

Arsenal vs Liverpool – Match Preview 

Before last weekend’s slip-up against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta’s troops hadn’t tasted an away defeat since New Year’s Eve 2023. The Gunners have been among the most consistent and fierce teams in 2024, but discipline—or the lack thereof—caught up with them on the south coast. William Saliba’s first-half red card condemned the Gunners to their first defeat of the 2024/25 season. Saliba’s sending off was Arsenal’s third red card this season after Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard received their marching orders against Brighton and Manchester City, respectively. Mikel Arteta needs to quickly address this indiscipline in his training sessions because a single mistake can determine the Premier League title race.  

However, a Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard-less Arsenal squad still managed to grab their second Champions League win, edging out Shakhtar Donetsk 1-0 with a little luck from Dmytro Riznyk’s own goal. This midweek victory extended their winning streak at the Emirates to five games. Having said that, Arsenal fans might be feeling more anxious than confident heading into Sunday’s crunch game against Liverpool at Emirates. Without Saliba, the Gunners’ Premier League win rate plummets to 45%, compared to a strong 74% when he’s on the pitch. The absence of Saliba, Saka and Odegaard might have tipped the scales in Liverpool’s balance. But this Arsenal squad has proven that they can deal with adversity. 

Contrary to Mikel Arteta’s current predicament, Liverpool manager Arne Slot heads into Sunday’s showdown with a squad firing on all cylinders. The Reds have been frighteningly consistent this season. Seven wins from eight Premier League games is no easy feat to achieve, but Slot is eyeing trophies rather than records. And so far, his team has delivered. Arne Slot’s men overcame their sternest test of the season when the Reds secured a 2-1 win against Chelsea on 20th October. They followed up that win with a professional 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in UCL. Liverpool’s hot streak makes Slot the first Liverpool boss to win 11 out of his opening 12 games, a remarkable feat that has fans dreaming big. Moreover, if Liverpool grab all three points on Sunday, they will reach the 24-point haul after nine games, a feat only surpassed once—in the 2019/20 season when they claimed their long-awaited 20th English league title. 

Arsenal vs Liverpool – Team News and Updates  

Liverpool will be missing Alisson Becker for this weekend’s showdown, as their star keeper continues to nurse a thigh injury. Fortunately for the Reds, Caoimhin Kelleher put on an impressive display midweek, making crucial saves to keep RB Leipzig at bay. Alongside Alisson, Harvey Elliott (foot) and Federico Chiesa (fitness) are also on the injured list, while Diogo Jota is a major doubt after an injury forced him off against Chelsea. This could leave Darwin Nunez to shoulder the goal-scoring duties, fresh from nabbing the decisive goal in Leipzig. 

Arne Slot faces a positive selection dilemma on the left, with both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo fighting for a start. However, despite Curtis Jones’s winning goal against Chelsea, Slot will likely stick to his preferred midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, and the revitalized Ryan Gravenberch. 

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s defensive setup is looking more and more depleted. With Saliba suspended, Kieran Tierney sidelined, and Takehiro Tomiyasu picking up a fresh knee issue, the last thing Arteta needed was another defensive casualty. Yet, Riccardo Calafiori suffered an awkward fall midweek, and Arteta admitted the Italian’s condition is “not great.” On a brighter note, Jurrien Timber (muscle) could be ready for a timely return on Sunday, potentially stepping in for Saliba while Ben White fills in at right-back. 

Arsenal will also miss captain Martin Odegaard, and despite Arteta’s doubtful remarks about Bukayo Saka’s hamstring recovery, there’s cautious optimism that Saka could return. Should he be fit, he’ll bring much-needed firepower to an Arsenal side that could see Kai Havertz aiming to become the first Gunner since Thierry Henry to score in six consecutive home league games. 

Arsenal vs Liverpool – Kick-Off Time and Date 

The game is scheduled to take place on 27th October 2024 (Sunday) at Emirates Stadium in London. The match will kick off at 10:00 PM (Indian Standard Time).