Predicted XI, Injury News & How to Watch
Liverpool meet an Arsenal side who boast an unbeaten home record this season, which will put Arne Slot and dull, dull pretensions to the test.
Arsenal vs Liverpool
Premier League (21) | The Emirates
January 8, 2026 | 8:00 p.m. (GMT)
Liverpool stemmed the losing streak by going nine matches unbeaten, but that failed to mask the cracks of lack of identity and intensity.
The Reds stand in stark contrast to an Arsenal side who dominate from set pieces and find ways to win, with the current league leaders having only tasted defeat twice so far this season.
There isn’t much optimism when it comes to Liverpool, and here’s everything you need to know.
1. Hugo Ekitike, a doubt about a major injury
Ekitike missed the trip to Fulham with a hamstring strain from overloading, and had not yet trained when Slot faced the press on Wednesday morning.
His involvement depends on how he completes training on the eve of the match, but either outcome all but rules out a starting place in the team.
At best, Liverpool fans could hope for a place on the bench, with one of Cody Gakpo, Florian Wirtz or Chiesa starting up front.
2. Arsenal undefeated at home this season
There is a lot of trepidation about Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates, and that doesn’t even take into account the Gunners’ impressive home form this season.
In all competitions they have not lost at home. In the Premier League, they have only dropped points once in a draw against Man City in September.
No team has scored more (26) or conceded fewer goals (five) at home in the top flight. Conversely, Liverpool conceded fourth place (18th) on the road, just to underline the task the Reds face.
However, of Arsenal’s two defeats this season, Liverpool are responsible for one and Aston Villa for the other.
3. At least 6 Liverpool players will miss Emirates trip
Following Joe Gomez’s return to Craven Cottage, Liverpool could see their absentee list shrink to six, but that depends on whether Ekitike is fit enough for the team.
Slot is already without other striking options, Mo Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (leg), while Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jaydan Danns all remain on the sidelines.
There will likely once again be a place on the bench for full-back Calvin Ramsay, while other academy players could also be considered, depending on the final absentee list.
4. Arsenal’s list of absentees (there aren’t many!)
Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are certain to miss out for Arsenal, and Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined after a ‘troublesome’ injury during the warm-up at Brighton in December.
Kai Havertz was rested this weekend and will be close to being involved, although Arsenal’s lack of injuries and attacking options will not guarantee he will be straight back.
Mikel Arteta could make some changes to his starting line-up following their 3-2 win over the Cherries, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard replacing Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
The consistency of much of Arsenal’s XI was key to building a six-point gap at the top, leaving the Reds with a lot of work to do to stop them.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Bois, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokères, Trossard
5. Liverpool XI predicted
It is possible that Slot names an unchanged line-up at the Emirates, but he could also make two changes.
Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson could replace Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez respectively, the first being dynamic and the second experienced.
Liverpool would otherwise remain unchanged, although it would allow Dominik Szoboszlai to use his legs in midfield and Wirtz the opportunity to create behind Gakpo.
LFC XI predicted: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Wirtz, Gakpo
6. Slot responds to “boring and boring” claims
There has been little to no spark for the Reds this season and the words “boring” and “boring” are much more thrown around, and Slot was pointedly asked about it on the eve of the game:
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“I really have a hard time hearing it, but it’s not that I completely disagree. I would use different words and take certain things into account, but I want to win as many trophies as possible, but I think I’m also known for the fact that my team has always tried to play attacking football, and I can only say that we always try to do that.
7. Only the third match of the away jersey
Liverpool will don their away jersey for this match, and it will only be the third time they have worn it this season.
He has a mixed record with one win (at West Ham) and one loss (at Crystal Palace), with Gakpo, Isak and Federico Chiesa on the scoresheet in those matches.
Let’s hope that the result is more in line with the last trip to the capital!
8. A guaranteed goal?
If you’re looking to boost your hopes of having at least one goal to celebrate on Thursday night, then we can help.
Liverpool failed to score in just A of their last 31 league matches away, at Man City in November.
That won’t be offered to them, although hopefully we might, and so the onus will fall on Slot’s chosen attackers, which likely includes Gakpo, Wirtz and Frimpong.
9. Referee: Anthony Taylor
Anthony Taylor is in charge of this meeting and he does not hesitate to give a red card, after having done so between the two teams in 2024 (Ibrahima Konate) and 2025 (Mikel Merino).
He has refereed this match five times before, Liverpool won once, Arsenal twice and the other two ended in draws.
Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn are his assistants at the Emirates, with Simon Hooper being the fourth official. John Brooks will oversee VAR, with assistance from Dan Robathan.
10. How to follow and watch Arsenal vs Liverpool
Arsenal v Liverpool will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event for those in the UK, with coverage starting at 7pm (GMT).
We’ll provide more TV details in the build-up to kick-off, and you can also follow our live blog from the day. Henry Jackson will entertain and inform you from 7:15 p.m.
Surprise us (a good one), Liverpool!