An early-season title decider! Undefeated Liverpool host an injury-hit but perfect Arsenal in a monumental Premier League clash. Will the Reds’ formidable attack overpower the Gunners’ rock-solid defense? We break down the key stats, team news, and provide our betting tips for this unmissable Anfield showdown.
Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Kick-off: 16:30 BST (11:30 ET / 8:30 PT)
Broadcast: Sky Sports (UK), NBC Sports (US)
The 2025/26 Premier League season is already heating up, and this early showdown between defending champions Liverpool and last season's runners-up Arsenal could set the tone for the title race. Both sides sit on six points after two wins apiece, but neither has been entirely convincing yet. Liverpool have edged out Bournemouth (4-2) and Newcastle (3-2) in high-scoring affairs, while Arsenal secured a gritty 1-0 away win at Manchester United before dismantling Leeds 5-0 at home. This is the first real six-pointer of the campaign, and with Anfield's electric atmosphere in play, expect fireworks – or at least a tactical chess match. Arsenal haven't won here since 2012, drawing the last three visits, but Mikel Arteta's side enters unbeaten in three straight league meetings with the Reds.
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After two matchdays, the table is tight at the top, with several teams on maximum points. Liverpool and Arsenal are among them, but the champions have shown defensive vulnerabilities, conceding four goals already – more than they did in their last 10 games of the 2024/25 title-winning season. Arsenal, meanwhile, have kept two clean sheets, scoring six goals without reply, though their dominance came against a promoted side in Leeds. Both teams are adapting to new-look squads after busy summers, but early signs point to a high-stakes battle where set pieces and individual brilliance could decide the outcome.
Liverpool: Arne Slot has a near-full squad to choose from, with no major new concerns reported. Virgil van Dijk is fit after international duty, and Alexis Mac Allister is back in training. However, right-back Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined until after the international break with a minor knock. Youngster Rio Ngumoha, who became Liverpool's youngest-ever Premier League scorer with a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on Monday, could earn a bench spot after his breakout moment at 16 years and 361 days old. Expect continuity in midfield with the likes of Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai pulling strings.
Arsenal: The Gunners face a injury crisis that could test their depth. Bukayo Saka is out for around four weeks with a hamstring strain picked up against Leeds, while Kai Havertz is sidelined long-term following knee surgery. Captain Martin Ødegaard is doubtful with a shoulder issue, and Jakub Kiwior may be omitted due to his imminent transfer to Porto. On a positive note, new signing Eberechi Eze is set for his debut after joining from Crystal Palace, potentially filling the creative void. Gabriel Jesus is back in training after a knee injury but his return timeline is unclear. Arteta will lean on Viktor Gyökeres up top, who has already netted twice this season.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Alisson Becker (GK)
Conor Bradley (RB), Ibrahima Konaté (CB), Virgil van Dijk (CB), Milos Kerkez (LB)
Ryan Gravenberch (DM), Alexis Mac Allister (DM)
Mohamed Salah (RW), Florian Wirtz (AM), Cody Gakpo (LW)
Hugo Ekitike (ST)
Arsenal Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)
David Raya (GK)
Jurrien Timber (RB), William Saliba (CB), Gabriel Magalhães (CB), Riccardo Calafiori (LB)
Martin Zubimendi (CM), Declan Rice (CM), Martin Ødegaard (CM)
Noni Madueke (RW), Viktor Gyökeres (ST), Eberechi Eze (LW)
Liverpool – Hugo Ekitike: The summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt has hit the ground running, scoring in both league games so far. Facing Arsenal's rock-solid center-back pairing of William Saliba and Gabriel – widely regarded as the best in the league – will be his sternest test yet. If Ekitike extends his streak, he'll silence doubters about Liverpool's post-Diogo Jota forward line (Jota's tragic passing in July has left a void, with his No. 20 retired).
Arsenal – Eberechi Eze: The £67.5m deadline-day hijack from Crystal Palace could be Arteta's wildcard. Eze's creativity and dribbling (he ranked in the top 10% for progressive carries last season) make him a direct Saka replacement on the right. With Ødegaard potentially absent, Eze's debut could spark Arsenal's attack, especially against Liverpool's leaky new full-backs.
Battle of the Midfields: Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister will aim to disrupt Arsenal's engine room, where Declan Rice and new recruits Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard provide steel. Watch for Rice's set-piece deliveries – Arsenal lead Europe with 33 goals from corners since 2023/24.
Mohamed Salah vs. Arsenal's Defense: Salah has 11 Premier League goals against the Gunners (more than against any other side), including 10 for Liverpool. He'll test Riccardo Calafiori and Jurriën Timber, who has been involved in five goals in his last five starts.
Historically, this fixture is a goal-fest: 198 goals in Premier League history, the second-most of any matchup (behind Liverpool vs. Spurs). The last three Anfield meetings ended in draws, with Liverpool winless in their last six league games against Arsenal overall (D4 L2). Last season's clashes were 2-2 thrillers, both featuring comebacks and red cards.
Tactically, Slot's Liverpool favor an attacking style but have looked "leaky at the back," as one preview noted, with new full-backs Frimpong (injured) and Milos Kerkez still bedding in. Arsenal's set-piece prowess under specialist coach Nicolas Jover could exploit this – they've scored more from dead balls than any team in Europe's big five leagues over the past two years. Arteta's side will press high to disrupt Liverpool's build-up, but without Saka and possibly Ødegaard, they'll rely on Gyökeres' physicality (he struggled against United's De Ligt but bagged a brace vs. Leeds) and Eze's flair on the wings.
Slot, meanwhile, will demand control: "Get the lead, hold the lead," as one analyst put it. Liverpool's summer splash on Florian Wirtz (£116m record fee) adds elegance, but his adaptation (he's yet to dazzle) could be key. If Arsenal flip the Anfield hoodoo, it sends a statement; a Liverpool win reinforces their champions' aura.
Arsenal: Have won their first two games without conceding a goal, a feat they haven't achieved in over a century. They recorded a 1-0 win at Manchester United and a dominant 5-0 victory over Leeds United.
Liverpool: Also boast a perfect record, but their wins have been far less convincing. They scraped a 4-2 win against Bournemouth and came from behind to beat 10-man Newcastle 3-2. They have conceded two goals in each of their three competitive matches so far this season, including the Community Shield.
Betting Odds Overview: Liverpool are slight favorites due to their home advantage, but the odds reflect the uncertainty.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes: This is a very strong bet. The last six Premier League meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net. Given Liverpool's attacking prowess and Arsenal's solid, but potentially untested, defense, goals at both ends are highly likely.
Over 2.5 Goals: With both teams capable of scoring and Liverpool's defensive frailties, this is also a strong choice. Five of the last six league meetings have gone over 2.5 goals.
Mohamed Salah to Score Anytime: The Egyptian King has an incredible record against Arsenal. His record of 11 goals against them in the league, with 10 for Liverpool, makes him a prime candidate to find the net.
Prediction: This match is set up to be a tactical chess match. Arsenal's strong defensive shape and discipline will test Liverpool's attacking firepower, but the Gunners' injury crisis could be a major factor. While Arsenal has been dominant, they haven't faced a team with the sheer attacking quality of Liverpool yet. Liverpool's home advantage, combined with Arsenal's key absences, might be the deciding factor in a high-scoring affair.
Our Predicted Score: Liverpool 2-2 Arsenal
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