Arsenal and Liverpool renew their rivalry on Thursday night at the Emirates Stadium in one of the standout fixtures of Premier League Gameweek 21. The reigning champions host a Liverpool side still searching for consistency, with the stakes high at both ends of the title picture.
Arsenal enter the new year in commanding form and with momentum firmly on their side. Despite a shaky opening at Bournemouth last weekend, where a costly Gabriel Magalhaes error handed the Cherries an early advantage, Mikel Arteta’s side showed their resilience. Gabriel atoned with a crucial goal, while Declan Rice struck twice to seal a dramatic 3-2 comeback win. Results elsewhere only sweetened the mood, as Chelsea’s late equaliser against Manchester City allowed Arsenal to extend their lead at the summit.
That victory made it seven wins in a row in all competitions for the Gunners, including five straight Premier League successes. While not all of those wins have been convincing on the scoreline, Arsenal have repeatedly found ways to grind out results — often the hallmark of a title-winning side. At the Emirates, they have been formidable, winning 14 of their 15 home matches this season and each of the last 12 in succession.
Liverpool, by contrast, arrive with questions lingering. Arne Slot’s men are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions, but recent draws against Leeds United and Fulham have blunted the optimism generated by an earlier winning run. The 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage was particularly frustrating, as a stoppage-time thunderbolt from Harrison Reed denied Liverpool victory moments after Cody Gakpo thought he had settled the contest.
Although the Reds sit fourth and remain within touching distance of the top, their margin for error is slim. A defeat in North London would further dent already fading title hopes, especially given their recent struggles at the Emirates, where they have not won in their last three visits.
Liverpool did beat Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield earlier in the season thanks to a spectacular Dominik Szoboszlai free kick, but replicating that success away from home looks a much tougher task.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Arsenal’s injury list is relatively light. Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are sidelined with ankle issues, while Riccardo Calafiori remains unavailable due to an unspecified injury. Kai Havertz was left out last weekend for load management reasons and could again be eased back, given Arsenal’s depth in attack.
Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting lineup and will be chasing a personal milestone, aiming to become the first Arsenal player to score in four consecutive home league games against Liverpool.
Liverpool’s absences are more disruptive. Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON, Alexander Isak is out with a leg injury, and Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt after missing the Fulham match with muscular problems. Florian Wirtz is managing a hamstring issue but is expected to feature. Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are ruled out, while Jeremie Frimpong could be introduced if Slot opts for a tactical reshuffle.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Arsenal:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Liverpool:
Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo
EXPERT PREDICTION
Arsenal 2-1 Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Liverpool 
𝗣𝗥𝗘-𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗦:
Arsenal have conceded in each of their last 20 Premier League games against Liverpool since a 0-0 draw in August 2015.
Arsenal to win
Liverpool to win
Draw
