Add the 2–2 Community Shield draw vs Crystal Palace, and you have a side that scores late but can’t seem to keep a clean sheet, six goals conceded in three games.
Arsenal, by contrast, have looked crisp and ruthless. Two league games, two wins, two clean sheets, capped by a 5–0 dismantling of Leeds United. They’ve picked up where they left off, especially from set pieces, though knocks to Bukayo Saka (hamstring) and Martin Ødegaard (shoulder) could cast a shadow over their trip to Anfield.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Liverpool
Depth up front & late-game punch – Salah, Chiesa, and even teenager Ngumoha have already decided matches. Hugo Ekitike adds another option. Mentality monsters – Twice pegged back, twice found a way to win.
Defensive frailty – At least two goals conceded in each of their last three competitive matches. Weakness at defending corners and wide free-kicks is still glaring.Arsenal
Set-piece supremacy – Nicolas Jover’s routines keep delivering; Timber’s opener vs Leeds came from a corner. Against Liverpool’s shaky set-piece defending, this is huge. Defensive solidity – Raya + Saliba-led backline hasn’t been breached yet this season. Injury concerns – Saka and Ødegaard’s fitness is the biggest cloud over Arteta’s planning.Tactical Snapshot
- Liverpool’s route to goal: fast transitions to isolate Arsenal’s full-backs, plus late substitutes (Chiesa, Ngumoha) to stretch a tiring defence.
- Arsenal’s route to goal: set-pieces, wide free-kicks, and corner deliveries into the “six-yard corridor” where Liverpool have struggled for first contact. If Saka sits out, Eze’s dead-ball delivery becomes central.
Prediction
Expect drama late on, both clubs already have a knack for swinging games after the 75th minute. At Anfield, that final quarter could define the early title race.- Main call: Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal. Firepower vs structure, late drama inevitable.
- If Saka & Ødegaard both miss out: Liverpool 2–1 Arsenal.
- If Liverpool tighten set-piece defending: 1–1 draw more likely than a shootout.
