Premier League leaders Arsenal are looking to make it back to back wins in the new year when they host Liverpool at the Emirates on Thursday evening.
Mikel Arteta’s side kicked off the year with an important 3-2 victory at Bournemouth, taking them up to 48 points, six ahead of their closest challengers Manchester City.
Two second half Declan Rice goals were enough to inspire the victory, a fifth consecutive league win for the Gunners in their quest for a first title since 2004.
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Liverpool come into the game in fourth place with 34 points after being forced to settle for a 2-2 draw against Fulham over the weekend.
The reds are now unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, their best run of performances this season and are hoping they can keep it up against the high-flying Arsenal.
Despite Liverpool having a shameful title defense, they have not lost to Arsenal since a 3-1 league victory in February 2024, picking up four points against them last season.
Arsenal have scored 12 goals in their last five league outings but have only kept a clean sheet in one of those games, leaving fighting room for Arne Slot’s side to get something from the game.
Liverpool are coming off back to back draws against Leeds and Fulham, knowing they must avoid defeat if they are to maintain their unbeaten run.
With all that’s at stake for both sides, we have a look at all key details of the match and offer our predicted outcome based on the same.
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Team news
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus both came off the bench against the Cherries but are expected to start against Liverpool. This will see Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres settle for a place on the bench.
No other change is expected from the side with David Raya in goal, and William Saliba and Gabriel Maghalaes the trusted center back pair. Rice, the two-goal hero will retain his spot in midfield, alongside both Martin’s, Zubimendi and Odegaard.
The reds remain without Mohamed Salah, who scored to send Egypt into the quarters at the ongoing AFCON tournament. Hugo Ekitike missed the last game due to a muscle strain and will be thoroughly assessed ahead of this game.
Florian Wirtz registered his second goal involvement and will start as well as Cody Gakpo who is fully fit after a short stint on the sidelines.
Head-to-head and current form
In the last five matches played between these two sides, Liverpool have the advantage, winning twice compared to Arsenals one victory. The remaining two matches ended in identical 2-2 draws.
With neither side losing in their last five matches, it sets this up to be a potentially explosive encounter.
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Current form
Arsenal – WWWDW
Liverpool – DDWWW
Previous matches
Liverpool 1-0 Arsenal (Aug 31, 2025)
Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal (May 11, 2025)
Arsenal 2-2 Liverpool (Oct 27, 2024)
Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal (August 1, 2024)
Arsenal 3-1 Liverpool (Feb 4, 2024)
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Prediction
Aside from Arsenal’s 1-0 win earlier this season, this match has historically produced over 1.5 goals 90% of the time. We can expect at least two goals in this game but with Arsenal’s superiority this season, they are tipped as favorites to come out on top.
However, Arsenal to win or draw (1X) provides the safest option for this game.
Photo: Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
