The reigning champions face an uphill battle this night, as Arsenal welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium for a vital Premier League showdown.
The Reds arrive on an extended unbeaten run than the hosts, however defeat in North London would go away Mikel Arteta’s facet a commanding 17 factors clear with 17 video games remaining.
Arsenal started the New Yr brightly, capitalising on dropped factors elsewhere throughout Gameweek 20 regardless of a nightmare begin away to Bournemouth, the place Gabriel’s early error was punished by Evanilson.
The centre-back atoned with a vital equaliser earlier than Declan Rice struck twice to seal a dramatic 3-2 win, his first Premier League objectives after 296 appearances.
Arsenal’s pleasure was compounded later that night when Chelsea’s late equaliser in opposition to Manchester Metropolis additional strengthened their place on the high.
Again-to-back attracts for Metropolis imply each they and Aston Villa sit six factors behind the Gunners, though that hole could possibly be decreased on Wednesday night time.
The Emirates Stadium has been a fortress this season, with Arsenal successful 14 of their 15 matches there in all competitions, together with a present 12-game successful streak.
A victory right here would additionally see the Gunners beat the reigning champions at residence in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the primary time.
Liverpool arrive in North London after surrendering late leads in back-to-back attracts in opposition to Leeds and Fulham, the latter seeing Harrison Reed’s gorgeous injury-time strike cancel out what appeared to be a decisive Cody Gakpo purpose.
These outcomes have stalled the momentum generated by a four-match successful run, though Arne Slot’s facet stay fourth within the desk and are actually 9 video games unbeaten in all competitions.
Group information for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal are near full power, with Arteta coping with solely a small variety of absentees. Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are dominated out with ankle accidents, whereas Riccardo Calafiori stays a doubt attributable to an unspecified situation.
Kai Havertz was not noted in opposition to Bournemouth for load administration functions, and the German may once more be rested given Arsenal’s depth in attacking areas. Bukayo Saka is anticipated to return to the beginning lineup and is aiming to develop into the primary Arsenal participant to attain in 4 consecutive residence league matches in opposition to Liverpool.
Leandro Trossard can be in line for a recall after beginning on the bench final weekend, whereas Declan Rice ought to proceed in midfield following his match-winning brace.
Liverpool’s attacking choices are extra restricted. Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON, whereas Alexander Isak is sidelined with a leg damage. Hugo Ekitike stays a doubt after lacking the Fulham draw with a muscular drawback, though Florian Wirtz is anticipated to characteristic regardless of managing a hamstring situation.
Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are each unavailable, and Slot could go for continuity after the Craven Cottage draw, with Jeremie Frimpong another possibility on the proper.
Anticipated line-ups for Arsenal v Liverpool
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
Learn how to watch Arsenal v Liverpool: TV channel, on-line reside stream
Kick-off on Thursday is at 20:00 GMT (16:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with reside protection within the UK on Sky Sports activities Important Occasion.
Through Now TV, Sky Sports activities prices £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports activities memberships embrace entry to all 12 reside Sky Sports activities channels and Sky Sports activities+, which affords reside streams and a devoted channel.
Streaming is obtainable on an enormous number of units through the Sky GO app.
The stats for Arsenal v Liverpool
- Arsenal have gained 14 of their 15 residence matches in all competitions this season
- The Gunners are on a 12-game successful streak on the Emirates
- Arsenal have gained their final 5 Premier League matches
- Liverpool are unbeaten in 9 matches throughout all competitions
- Liverpool have didn’t win any of their final three league visits to the Emirates
- Arsenal may transfer 17 factors away from Liverpool with a victory
Prediction
Arsenal
1
–
0
Liverpool
Liverpool have crushed Arsenal extra instances than every other facet in Premier League historical past, however present kind, accidents and residential benefit all level in the direction of a constructive night for the leaders.
With Liverpool wanting attacking choices and Arsenal persevering with to search out methods to win, Arteta’s facet ought to strengthen their grip on the title race.
