We turn our attention to Sunday’s Premier League clash at Anfield with a comprehensive Liverpool vs Arsenal preview and prediction. Will the reigning champions rediscover their rhythm?
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Liverpool vs Arsenal: Preview
At the halfway stage of the Premier League season, Liverpool vs Arsenal had the makings of a potential title decider. However, things haven’t quite gone according to plan for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Liverpool have already clinched the title with four games remaining, sitting 15 points clear of Arsenal, whose campaign has stuttered in recent weeks.
Their Champions League hopes were dashed on Wednesday, as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 3-1 aggregate victory at the Parc des Princes, marking Arsenal’s fourth consecutive quarter-final exit in major cup competitions.
In between the two legs of that tie came a disappointing 2-1 league loss to Bournemouth, where the Gunners squandered a second-half lead.
So far this season, Arsenal have dropped 21 points from winning positions in the Premier League – equalling their highest-ever total in a single campaign (also in 2019-20).
Yet, Arsenal tend to raise their game against Premier League champions when the title is already wrapped up. They held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw in 2012-13 and edged Liverpool 2-1 in the 2019-20 season.
They also haven’t suffered back-to-back league defeats since December 2023 – a streak Arteta will be eager to extend as he seeks a strong finish to the season.
Still, there are issues to address. A worrying 39% of Arsenal’s goals conceded this league season have come from set-pieces (12 of 31, excluding penalties) – the highest proportion of any team.
Liverpool’s lone goal in their 3-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend came via a corner, with Virgil van Dijk powering home a header – a mere consolation in their first outing since being crowned Premier League champions.
Historically, only two teams have suffered back-to-back league defeats after sealing the title early: Arsenal in 1997-98 and Chelsea in 2005-06. Arne Slot will be determined to ensure Liverpool don’t join that list.
The Reds will be buoyed by a return to Anfield on Sunday, where they’ve been formidable this season, suffering just one league loss – a 1-0 reverse to Nottingham Forest back in September.
With 44 points collected from their 17 home matches, including 14 victories, Liverpool’s home form remains one of the strongest in the league.
Adding to their threat is Mohamed Salah, who has consistently tormented Arsenal. The Egyptian forward has scored 11 Premier League goals against the Gunners – more than any opponent except Manchester United (13) and Tottenham Hotspur (12).
Salah has now contributed to 46 goals across all competitions this season. A goal or assist against Arsenal would see him equal the joint record for most goal involvements in a single Premier League season, set by Andrew Cole (1993-94) and Alan Shearer (1994-95).
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Head-to-Head
Liverpool boast an impressive 14-match unbeaten run against Arsenal at Anfield across all competitions (W7 D7), a streak that dates back to a 2-0 Premier League defeat in September 2012.
However, the tide has shifted slightly in recent encounters. Arsenal are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with the Reds (W2 D3), including a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
This marks the Gunners’ longest unbeaten streak against Liverpool in the league since their eight-game run between October 2007 and April 2011.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Team News
Liverpool – Team News
Liverpool boss Arne Slot is set to field a stronger starting XI against Arsenal as the newly crowned Premier League champions return to Anfield for the first time since sealing the title.
Slot opted for a rotated side in last weekend’s 3-1 loss to Chelsea, but has confirmed more changes will be made for the visit of an Arsenal side still reeling from their Champions League elimination.
One confirmed switch will see Conor Bradley replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Slot said: “Conor will start. He needs minutes and experience to be ready for next season.”
However, Slot remained coy on other potential changes: “There are many factors influencing my decisions — one of them is losing, yes, but not the only one. I’m not planning to lose all four remaining games, but there’s more to picking a line-up than just rotating.”
Luis Díaz, rested against Chelsea, is expected to return to the starting eleven, likely at the expense of Diogo Jota. Meanwhile, Harvey Elliott may make way for one of Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai, or Alexis Mac Allister, all of whom are in contention for midfield spots.
At the back, Jarrell Quansah struggled once again in the absence of Ibrahima Konaté, who is expected to reclaim his place in the heart of defence. While Slot has urged Quansah to deliver “greater consistency,” he did hint at more opportunities ahead. Joe Gomez remains unavailable through injury.
Arsenal – Team News
Arsenal have no new injury concerns as they prepare for Sunday’s Premier League showdown against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Gunners will be aiming to bounce back from their Champions League semi-final disappointment, having suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek that ended their European campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta revealed that emotions ran high following the loss in Paris, with several players in tears. He now faces the challenge of lifting his squad for a crucial domestic fixture.
Currently sitting second in the Premier League, Arsenal are under pressure from a resurgent Manchester City in the race for the title. “This is who we are,” Arteta said after the PSG defeat. “When you get so close to major trophies and fall short, it has to be part of your journey. Now we have to immediately shift focus and perform at the highest level.”
Arteta is expected to name a strong starting XI at Anfield. Ben White is in contention to return at right-back in place of Jurrien Timber, while Riccardo Calafiori—who made an impact off the bench in midweek—is pushing for a start on the left.
In midfield, options remain limited, though there was a boost with Jorginho returning to the bench against PSG after a rib injury. Leandro Trossard, who played a key role in Bukayo Saka’s goal, is also pushing for a starting spot—either on the left wing or in a central attacking role.
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Predicted Lineup
Liverpool – Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeper – Alisson
- Defenders – Bradley, Quansah, Van Dijk, Robertson
- Midfielders – Gravenberch, Jones, Szoboszlai
- Forwards – Salah, Gakpo, Jota
Arsenal – Predicted Lineup ( 4-3-3)
- Goalkeper – Raya
- Defenders – Timber, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly
- Midfielders – Odegaard, Partey, Rice
- Forwards – Saka, Merino, Martinelli
Liverpool vs Arsenal: Prediction
Arsenal’s inconsistency has kept their top-four hopes hanging in the balance, and a trip to face the newly crowned champions couldn’t have come at a worse time following their European heartbreak.
While Mikel Arteta has overseen progress in tough away fixtures, momentum remains elusive as they run into a Liverpool side that thrives in front of a roaring Anfield crowd.
Recent meetings between the two have often been tightly contested, but with Liverpool likely to return to full strength and boasting superior attacking firepower this season, the home side have the edge.
Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Arsenal
When and Where to Watch the Liverpool vs Arsenal Match? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The highly anticipated Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal is set for Sunday, May 11, at the Anfield Stadium, kicking off at 9 p.m. (IST). The match will be broadcast on the Star Sports Network for TV viewers, while online streaming will be available on JioHotstar, allowing fans to follow the high-stakes game on their preferred device.
Read More: Arsenal’s Eternal Climb: Why The Gunners Keep Falling Short Despite Promising Starts
FAQs
What is the latest form of Arsenal ahead of their match with Liverpool?
Arsenal’s recent form has been inconsistent, making their top-four spot uncertain. They face a tough challenge against Liverpool after a painful exit from the Champions League.
How have Arsenal performed against big six teams this season?
Arsenal has shown significant improvement in away matches against big six sides under Mikel Arteta, though consistency remains an issue.
Can Liverpool continue their strong home form against Arsenal?
Liverpool has been dominant at home, and with a full-strength squad, they are favorites to overcome Arsenal at Anfield.
What is the prediction for the Liverpool vs Arsenal match?
Liverpool is expected to win 2-1 against Arsenal, showcasing their superior attacking strength and home advantage.
How does Anfield affect Liverpool’s performance?
Anfield has been a fortress for Liverpool, and the Reds are set to continue their strong home performances in their clash with Arsenal.
