Liverpool meet an Arsenal side who boast an unbeaten record at home this season, which will put Arne Slot and the dull and boring claims to the test.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Premier League (21) | The Emirates
January 8, 2026 | 8pm (GMT)
Liverpool have stemmed the run of defeats by going nine games unbeaten, but that has failed to paper over the cracks that is the lack of identity and intensity.
The Reds are a stark contrast to an Arsenal side who are dominant in set-pieces and finding a way to win, with the current league leaders only tasting defeat twice so far this season.
There is not a lot of optimism where Liverpool are concerned, and here’s all you need to know.
1. Hugo Ekitike a major injury doubt
Ekitike missed the trip to Fulham with a hamstring strain due to overload, and had yet to train when Slot fronted the press on Wednesday morning.
His involvement hinges on whether and how he gets through training on the eve of the match, but either outcome all but rules out a starting place in the side.
At best, Liverpool supporters 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 plenty of trepidation about Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates, and that does not even factor in the Gunners’ impressive home form this season.
They are yet to lose at home in all competitions this season. In the Premier League they have dropped points only once: in a draw against Man City in September.
No team has scored more (26) or conceded fewer goals (five) at home in the topflight. Conversely, Liverpool have conceded the joint-fourth most (18) on the road, just to underline the task the Reds face.
Of Arsenal‘s two season defeats, however, Liverpool are responsible for one, and Aston Villa the other.
3. At least 6 Liverpool players to miss Emirates trip
After Joe Gomez‘s return at Craven Cottage, Liverpool could see their absentee list dwindle to six, but that relies on Ekitike being fit enough for the squad.
Slot is already without other strike options Mo Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (leg), while Wataru Endo, Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic and Jaydan Danns all remain sidelined.
There will likely be a place on the bench once more for full-back Calvin Ramsay, while other academy players could also come into consideration, dependent on the final list of absentees.
4. Arsenal’s list of absentees (it’s not many!)
Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are certain absentees for Arsenal, and Riccardo Calafiori remains sidelined after an “awkward” injury in the warm-up at Brighton in December.
Kai Havertz was rested against over the weekend and will be in the reckoning to be involved, though Arsenal‘s lack of injuries and attacking options does not guarantee he will come straight back in.
Mikel Arteta could make a couple of changes to his starting lineup from their 3-2 win over the Cherries, with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard replacing Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli.
The consistency for much of Arsenal‘s XI has been key to opening up a six-point gap at the top, leaving the Reds with a big job on their hands to stop them.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
5. Predicted Liverpool XI
There is a possibility that Slot could name an unchanged lineup at the Emirates, but equally, he could make two tweaks.
Jeremie Frimpong and Andy Robertson could come in for Alexis Mac Allister and Milos Kerkez, respectively, with the former injecting pace and the latter experience.
Liverpool would remain otherwise unchanged, though this would allow Dominik Szoboszlai to use his legs in midfield and Wirtz the opportunity to create behind Gakpo.
Predicted LFC XI: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Frimpong, Szoboszlai, Gravenberch, Jones; Wirtz, Gakpo
6. Slot responds to ‘dull and boring’ claims
There has been little to no spark for the Reds this season and the words ‘dull’ and ‘boring’ are being thrown around a lot more, and Slot was pointedly asked about it on the eve of the match:
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“I find it really hard to hear, but it’s not that I completely disagree. I would use different words, and I would take certain things into account, but I want to win as many trophies as I can, but I think I’m also known for the fact that my team’s always tried to play attacking football, and I can only say that we are still trying to do so.”
7. Only the third match in the away kit
Liverpool will don their away kit for this fixture, and it will be only the third time they have worn it this season.
It has a mixed record with one win (at West Ham) and one defeat (at Crystal Palace), with Gakpo, Isak and Federico Chiesa on the scoresheet across those matches.
Let’s hope the result is more in line with the most recent trip to the capital!
8. A guaranteed goal?
If you’re looking to boost your hopes of at least having a goal to celebrate on Thursday evening, then we can help you with that.
Liverpool have failed to score in only one of their last 31 away league games, which was at Man City back in November.
It will not be gifted to them, though we could do with some luck, and so the onus will be on the attackers chosen by Slot, which likely includes Gakpo, Wirtz and Frimpong.
9. Referee: Anthony Taylor
Anthony Taylor is in charge of this fixture and he is not shy in giving a red card, having done so between the two teams in 2024 (Ibrahima Konate) and 2025 (Mikel Merino).
He has reffed this fixture five previous times, Liverpool have 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 acting as the fourth official. John Brooks will oversee VAR, with Dan Robathan assisting.
10. How to follow and watch Arsenal vs. Liverpool
Arsenal vs. Liverpool will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event for those in the UK, with coverage starting from 7pm (GMT).
We will provide further TV details in the build-up to kick off, and you can also follow along with our matchday liveblog. Henry Jackson will keep you entertained and informed from 7.15pm.
Surprise us (a good one), Liverpool!