What to know as Liverpool host Arsenal in EPL blockbuster

Liverpool will welcome Arsenal to Anfield on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in a mouthwatering Premier League clash as both teams look to extend their perfect start to the new campaign.

 Teams form and recent performances

Arsenal have been flawless so far, winning both of their opening fixtures without conceding. The Gunners beat Manchester United 1-0 and then dismantled Leeds United 5-0, a run that puts them top of the table.

Liverpool, meanwhile, needed late rallies to edge Bournemouth and Newcastle United despite surrendering two-goal leads in both games. The defending champions have scored seven but conceded four, raising concerns about their defensive stability.

Head-to-Head records

Both clubs have clashed 235 times in history, with Liverpool winning 89 to Arsenal’s 81. Sixty-five matches have ended level.

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last six league meetings against Liverpool, last losing in the 2021/22 season. However, Anfield has not been kind to the Gunners—they last won there in 2012/13, courtesy of Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla’s goals.

Key players to watch

Liverpool

New signing Hugo Ekitike has hit the ground running with three goals in his first three games since his £79m move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 23-year-old’s sharp movement, link-up play, and knack for dropping deep have added a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack.

Read Also: Chelsea push for compensation in Liverpool’s capture of Ngumoha

Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres has quickly become Arsenal’s danger man after joining from Sporting Lisbon for £65m. The 27-year-old striker netted twice in the demolition of Leeds and looks set to be the focal point of Arsenal’s frontline this season.

Team News

 Liverpool

Alexis Mac Allister is expected to return after missing the Newcastle clash with a knock. However, Jeremie Frimpong remains out with a hamstring injury, leaving Arne Slot with a choice between Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley at right-back.

Arsenal

Bukayo Saka has been ruled out for four weeks, while Martin Odegaard remains doubtful ahead of Friday’s press conference. Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are also unavailable, though Jesus has returned to light training.

New £67m signing Eberechi Eze is available and could feature in what would be his Arsenal debut.

Probable Line-Ups

Liverpool (4-2-3-1):

Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike

Arsenal (4-3-3):

Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Gyokeres, Eze

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