Arsenal vs Liverpool: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Premier League 2025/26

On: January 6, 2026 10:16 PM

Arsenal vs Liverpool: Prediction, Lineups, Kickoff Time | Premier League 2025/26

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Arsenal vs Liverpool — Match Preview

A potential title-deciding clash—or perhaps a coronation procession—takes place at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 11 January 2026, as league leaders Arsenal host a wounded Liverpool side. The Gunners are currently an unstoppable force, sitting top of the table with 48 points and riding a stunning five-match winning streak. Mikel Arteta’s machine has scored 40 goals and conceded just 14, coming off a thrilling 3–2 away win at Bournemouth.

In stark contrast, Liverpool are in crisis mode. Sitting 4th with 34 points—a massive 14 points behind Arsenal—the Reds have stuttered into the New Year with back-to-back draws against Leeds (0–0) and Fulham (2–2). Arne Slot’s side is decimated by injuries and AFCON absences, and with their title hopes hanging by a thread, a defeat here could see them dragged into a battle just to stay in the Champions League places.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Match Info

Competition: Premier League (Matchday 21)
Venue: Emirates Stadium, London (Capacity: 60,704)
Date: Sunday, 11 January 2026
Kickoff: 16:30 GMT | 17:30 CET | 11:30 ET
Referee: Anthony Taylor (ENG)

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Match Stakes

Arsenal (1st — 48 pts):

Win → Moves to 51 pts; maintains their dominance and could extend the lead at the top.
Draw → Keeps the unbeaten run going (6 games); maintains the 14-point gap over Liverpool.
Loss → A rare blip; gives hope to Man City (2nd/3rd) but unlikely to derail their title charge given the points cushion.

Liverpool (4th — 34 pts):

Win → Moves to 37 pts; a massive statement that they aren’t dead yet; closes gap to Arsenal to 11 pts.
Draw → Third consecutive draw; does little to help their position in the top 4.
Loss → Disaster; could drop to 5th if Chelsea/Spurs win; effectively ends any lingering title dreams.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Team News

Arsenal:

Calafiori R. — Out (Injury – Defensive Depth Hit)
Mosquera C. — Out (Ankle Injury)
Dowman M. — Out (Ankle Injury)
Full Strength XI: Aside from Calafiori, Arteta has his preferred starting XI available. Saka, Odegaard, and Rice are all in peak form.

Liverpool:

Salah M. — Out (International Duty – Egypt)
Isak A. — Out (Broken Leg – Season Over)
Ekitike H. — Questionable (Hamstring Injury – Major Doubt)
Bajcetic S. — Out (Hamstring Injury)
Endo W. — Out (Ankle Injury)
Striker Crisis: With Isak out and Ekitike struggling for fitness, Darwin Núñez or Cody Gakpo will likely be forced to lead the line. The attack looks toothless compared to Arsenal’s.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Team Form (Last 5 Matches)

Arsenal

03/01 — 3–2 vs Bournemouth (Premier League)
31/12 — 4–1 vs Aston Villa (Premier League)
27/12 — 2–1 vs Brighton (Premier League)
24/12 — 2–1 vs Crystal Palace (EFL Cup)
21/12 — 1–0 vs Everton (Premier League)

Liverpool

04/01 — 2–2 vs Fulham (Premier League)
01/01 — 0–0 vs Leeds United (Premier League)
27/12 — 2–1 vs Wolves (Premier League)
20/12 — 2–1 vs Tottenham (Premier League)
13/12 — 2–0 vs Brighton (Premier League)

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Head-to-Head (Last 5 Meetings)

31/08/2025 — Liverpool 1–0 Arsenal (Premier League)
11/05/2025 — Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal (Premier League)
27/10/2024 — Arsenal 2–2 Liverpool (Premier League)
01/08/2024 — Liverpool 2–1 Arsenal (Friendly)
04/02/2024 — Arsenal 3–1 Liverpool (Premier League)

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Playing XI (Predicted Lineups)

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Rice, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Liverpool (4-3-3)

Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Mac Allister, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai; Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Impact Bench

Arsenal: Trossard (Clutch goals), Jesus (Energy)

Liverpool: Jones (Control), Jota (Finishing – if fit)

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Tactical Analysis

Arsenal

Arteta’s side is playing with supreme confidence. They dominate possession and press relentlessly. Against a Liverpool side missing its primary outlets (Salah’s pace, Isak’s hold-up), Arsenal will squeeze the pitch high. Look for Bukayo Saka to isolate Andy Robertson, while Martin Odegaard will exploit the spaces left by Liverpool’s advancing full-backs.

Liverpool

Arne Slot has a headache. Without Salah and Isak, Liverpool lack a clear identity in attack. If Hugo Ekitike misses out, they lose their backup focal point. Liverpool will likely try to play on the counter-attack using Luis Diaz’s speed, but their midfield has looked disjointed in recent draws. They must win the physical battle against Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to have any chance.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Key Battles

Saka vs Robertson — The classic duel; Saka is in form, Robertson is under pressure.
Saliba vs Nunez — Composure vs Chaos. Can Nunez unsettle the Frenchman?
Rice vs Szoboszlai — The engine room battle.
Gabriel vs Konate — Set-piece threat from both center-backs.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Spotlight Players

Arsenal — Kai Havertz

The German has become vital to Arsenal’s system. His movement drags defenders out of position, creating space for Saka and Martinelli. Against Van Dijk, his intelligence will be key.

Liverpool — Trent Alexander-Arnold

With the attack depleted, Liverpool’s creativity must come from Trent. He needs a masterclass in passing to unlock the league’s best defense (only 14 goals conceded).

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Prediction

Arsenal 3–1 Liverpool

The gap in quality and form is too wide to ignore. Arsenal are flying, playing at home, and have a fully fit attack. Liverpool are limping, missing their two best forwards, and coming off two poor draws. The Gunners should have too much firepower and will likely exact revenge for their defeat at Anfield earlier in the season.

Arsenal vs Liverpool — Betting Insights

Arsenal to Win — High Probability.
Bukayo Saka to Score or Assist — Very Likely.
Over 2.5 Goals — Likely (Arsenal scoring freely; Liverpool defense leaking).