Arsenal vs Liverpool
Premier League (21) | The Emirates
January 8, 2026 | 8:00 PM (GMT)
Liverpool have halted their run of defeats by going nine games unbeaten, but that has not been able to cover up their shortcomings, namely their lack of identity and intensity.
The Reds are a stark contrast to Arsenal, who are dominant from set pieces and find a way to win, with the current leaders having suffered just two defeats so far this season.
There isn’t much optimism when it comes to Liverpool, and here’s everything you need to know.
1. Hugo Ekitike doubts about a major injury
Ekitike missed the trip to Fulham with a hamstring injury due to strain and was still training when Slot faced the press on Wednesday morning.
His involvement depends on whether and how he gets through the training on the eve of the match, but both outcomes virtually rule out a starting place in the team.
At best, Liverpool supporters could hope for a spot on the bench, with Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz or Chiesa starting up front.
2. Arsenal are undefeated at home this season
There is a lot of anxiety surrounding Liverpool’s visit to the Emirates, and that doesn’t even take into account the Gunners’ impressive home form this season.
They have not yet lost at home in all competitions this season. They have only dropped points once in the Premier League: in a draw against Man City in September.
No team scored more at home (26) or conceded fewer goals (five). Conversely, Liverpool have conceded joint fourth (18) just to underline the task the Reds face.
However, of the two defeats in Arsenal’s season, Liverpool are responsible for one, and Aston Villa for the other.
3. At least six Liverpool players will miss the Emirates trip
Following the return of Joe Gomez to Craven Cottage, Liverpool could see their absentee list shrink to six, but that depends on whether Ekitike is fit enough for the squad.
Slot is already without other attacking options Mo Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (leg), while Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jaydan Danns all remain sidelined.
A spot on the bench is likely to become available again for full-back Calvin Ramsay, while other academy players could also be considered depending on the final list of absentees.
4. Arsenal’s list of absentees (there aren’t many!)
Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are certain absentees for Arsenal, and Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined after a “troublesome” injury during the warm-up at Brighton in December.
Kai Havertz was rested this weekend and is expected to be involved, although Arsenal’s lack of injuries and attacking options does not guarantee he will be back in action straight away.
Mikel Arteta could make a number of changes to his starting line-up following their 3-2 win over the Cherries, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard replacing Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
The consistency of much of Arsenal’s squad has been crucial in opening up a six-point lead at the top, leaving the Reds with a big job ahead of them to stop them.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Wood, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
5. Predicted Liverpool XI
There is a possibility that Slot could name an unchanged lineup at the Emirates, but he could also make two adjustments.
Jeremy Frimpong and Andy Robertson could replace Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez respectively, with the former injecting pace and latter experience.
Liverpool would otherwise remain unchanged, although this would allow Dominik Szoboszlai to use his legs in midfield and give Wirtz the chance to get in behind Gakpo.
Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Frimpong, Szosslai, Free, Jones; Wirz, Gakpo
6. Slot responds to ‘boring and boring’ claims
There has been little to no spark for the Reds this season and the words ‘boring’ and ‘boring’ are thrown around far more often, and Slot was pointedly asked about it on the eve of the game:
“I find it very difficult to hear, but it’s not that I completely disagree. “I would use different words and take certain things into account, but I want to win as many trophies as possible, but I think I am also known for the fact that my team has always tried to play attacking football, and I can only say that we are still trying to do that.”
7. Only wear the away kit for the third match
Liverpool will don their away kit for this match and it will be only the third time they have worn it this season.
They have a mixed record with one win (at West Ham) and one defeat (at Crystal Palace), with Gakpo, Isak and Federico Chiesa on the scoresheet during those matches.
Let’s hope the result is more in line with the most recent trip to the capital!
8. A guaranteed goal?
If you’re looking to boost your hopes of at least having a goal to celebrate on Thursday evening, we can help.
Liverpool just failed to score An of their last 31 away games in the competition, which came at Man City in November.
It will not be given to them, although we could do with some luck, and so the responsibility will fall to Slot’s chosen attackers, which will probably include Gakpo, Wirtz and Frimpong.
9. Referee: Anthony Taylor
Anthony Taylor is in charge in this match and he is not shy about issuing a red card, having done so in 2024 (Ibrahima Konate) and 2025 (Mikel Merino) between the two teams.
He has played this match five times before, Liverpool have won once, Arsenal twice and the other two ended in a draw.
Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn are his assistants at the Emirates, with Simon Hooper as fourth official. John Brooks will oversee VAR, with assistance from Dan Robathan.
10. How to watch Arsenal vs. You can follow and watch Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Liverpool will be shown live on the Sky Sports Premier League and the Main Event for players in Great Britain, with coverage from 7pm (GMT).
We’ll provide further TV details in the run-up to kick-off, and you can also follow our matchday live blog. Henry Jackson will keep you entertained and informed from 7:15 PM.
Surprise us (a good one), Liverpool!
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