Sophia
An early-season blockbuster is set to ignite the Premier League as reigning champions Liverpool host last season’s runners-up Arsenal at Anfield. This highly anticipated clash pits two of English football’s titans against each other in a match that could set the tone for their respective title aspirations.
Last season, Liverpool edged out the Gunners by a significant ten-point margin to claim the coveted Premier League trophy. This term, both sides are expected to once again contend for the summit, facing fierce competition from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.
Early Season Form: Reds’ Resilience vs. Gunners’ Dominance
Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have begun their title defense with two consecutive victories against Bournemouth and Newcastle United. While the results have been positive, their defensive performances have raised eyebrows, with the Reds twice surrendering two-goal leads. Fortunately, late heroics, including Rio Ngumoha’s unlikely winner against ten-man Newcastle, have ensured a winning start.
Arsenal, meanwhile, have also secured maximum points from their opening two fixtures, doing so with impressive clean sheets. After a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Old Trafford, the North London giants dismantled newly-promoted Leeds United with a resounding 5-0 win at the Emirates, featuring a brace from summer signing Viktor Gyökeres.
A History of Drama and Goals
Encounters between Liverpool and Arsenal rarely disappoint, consistently delivering drama and goal-mouth action. Both of last season’s fixtures ended in thrilling 2-2 draws, and Sunday’s match promises to deliver similar chaos. Sports Illustrated provides an in-depth guide to this blockbuster affair.
Match Details: Kick-off Time and Officials
- Location: Liverpool, England
- Stadium: Anfield
- Date: Sunday, August 31
- Kick-off Time: 4:30 p.m. BST / 11:30 a.m. ET / 8:30 a.m. PT
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Michael Salisbury
Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
The recent history between these two giants suggests a finely balanced contest:
- Liverpool Wins: 1
- Arsenal Wins: 1
- Draws: 3
- Last Meeting: Liverpool 2–2 Arsenal (May 11, 2025) – Premier League
Current Form (All Competitions)
Liverpool
- Newcastle 2–3 Liverpool – 25/08/25
- Liverpool 4–2 Bournemouth – 15/08/25
- Crystal Palace 2–2 (3–2p) Liverpool – 10/08/25
- Liverpool 3–2 Athletic Club – 04/08/25
- Liverpool 4–1 Athletic Club – 04/08/25
Arsenal
- Arsenal 5–0 Leeds – 23/08/25
- Man Utd 0–1 Arsenal – 17/08/25
- Arsenal 3–0 Athletic Club – 09/08/25
- Arsenal 2–3 Villarreal – 06/08/25
- Arsenal 0–1 Tottenham – 31/07/25
How to Watch Liverpool vs. Arsenal
Fans worldwide can catch all the action through various broadcasters:
- United States: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network, Telemundo
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Ultra HD, Sky GO, Sky GO Extra, NOW TV
- Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada, Amazon Prime Video
- Mexico: TNT Sports, TNT Go, Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video
For a comprehensive list of Premier League broadcasters, refer to this external resource.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Liverpool Team News
Manager Arne Slot has confirmed that midfielder Alexis Mac Allister will return to the squad after missing the Newcastle match due to injury. The Argentine is expected to partner Ryan Gravenberch in Liverpool’s midfield pivot. Conor Bradley, having completed another full week of training, could also return to the starting lineup, potentially replacing Dominik Szoboszlai, who performed admirably at right-back against Newcastle.
However, Jeremie Frimpong remains sidelined until after the international break with a hamstring injury, making Bradley’s return even more crucial. While Florian Wirtz is still seeking his first competitive goal or assist, new striker Hugo Ekitiké has already made a significant impact with two goals and an assist in Liverpool’s opening league matches.
Liverpool Predicted Lineup vs. Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké.
Arsenal Team News
Arsenal will be without the influential Bukayo Saka at Anfield, with Mikel Arteta confirming the winger will be sidelined for several weeks due to an injury sustained against Leeds, though no surgery is required. Martin Ødegaard is also a significant doubt after limping off against Leeds, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are both in the treatment room, with Havertz recently undergoing minor knee surgery.
Arteta is unsure about the availability of Christian Nørgaard and Ben White. However, Jurriën Timber is expected to start in place of White, having impressed with two goals, an assist, and a clean sheet against Leeds. Eberechi Eze could make his Arsenal debut after his unveiling, and Martín Zubimendi will visit the club he rejected last summer.
Arsenal Predicted Lineup vs. Liverpool (4-2-3-1)
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyøkeres.
Score Prediction: A Goal-Filled Stalemate?
Four of the last six competitive meetings between Liverpool and Arsenal have ended in draws, hinting at another tight affair at Anfield. The Reds boast an impressive unbeaten home record against the Gunners in the Premier League since 2012. However, their early-season defensive vulnerabilities could be a concern against a potent Arsenal attack.
This fixture is renowned for its goals, and Liverpool’s attacking prowess combined with their defensive frailties could result in a barnstormer on Merseyside. While the stakes aren’t as high in the early weeks of the season, both sides will be desperate to land a psychological blow and secure three crucial points. They may, however, have to settle for a share of the spoils.
Prediction: Liverpool 3–3 Arsenal
