The Premier League champions welcome Arsenal to Anfield this Sunday at 16:30 for a potential early season title showdown. Both sides arrive with perfect records, putting their 100% starts on the line in search of a psychological edge.

Arne Slot on Liverpool’s Start and Facing Arsenal

Reflecting in his programme notes, Arne Slot praised Liverpool’s strong opening to the campaign but admitted there is more to come.

“We have already had two extremely tough games in the league this season, against Bournemouth and Newcastle, and so to come into this game with maximum points is a real positive for us, and can hopefully give us a lot of confidence moving forward. Of course, as always, there are areas we know we can improve in, but I think the mentality and the character that we have shown already is something we can be happy with.”

Arne on what needs to improve against Arsenal:

“The most simple answer to what we need to improve is ‘a lot’ because we face a very strong team that were already really good last season and I think they have improved their squad a lot during the summer.”

Arsenal’s Anfield Struggles and Recent Form

Arsenal have not won at Anfield since September 2012, when current manager Mikel Arteta was still patrolling their midfield. The last four meetings on Merseyside in all competitions have ended in draws, with Liverpool’s last home victory coming in November 2021, a 4-0 league win.

The Gunners arrive in fine form after victories over Manchester United and Leeds United, scoring six goals and keeping two clean sheets in the process.

Liverpool’s Perspective

Much has been made this week of Arsenal’s so-called six-game unbeaten run against Liverpool, but that narrative is misleading. Liverpool defeated Arsenal at the Emirates in the FA Cup, meaning the Gunners are actually unbeaten in just their last three encounters, with one win and two draws.

Last Season’s Meetings

Both league games ended 2-2 last season. At Anfield, Liverpool already crowned champions, Cody Gakpo and Luis Díaz struck in quick succession to give the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Arsenal responded through Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino, who equalised before being sent off late on. Despite their numerical advantage, Liverpool could not find a winner.

Team News

Alexis Mac Allister missed Newcastle due to a minor fitness issue. The Argentine is set to be fit for this one.

Aside from Jeremie Frimpong who is sidelined with a hamstring injury until after the international break, Arne Slot confirmed a fully fit squad.

Arsenal will be without Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz for their trip to Anfield. Saka is set to miss several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during their 5–0 win over Leeds United, though fortunately he avoided surgery, which is a relief compared to his previous layoff.  

Captain Martin Ødegaard is also doubtful, after withdrawing early from the Leeds match with a shoulder problem. His fitness remains under assessment ahead of the fixture.