Arsenal v Liverpool – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

The Gunners are five points clear at the top of the table and have 19 wins in their last 22 fixtures. The Reds have won four of their last seven matches at the Emirates Stadium.

Match: Arsenal v Liverpool
When: Thursday, 08 Jan 2026

Arsenal Form

Arsenal’s last 22 matches have seen 19 wins in all competitions. After a stoppage-time goal conceded to lose 2-1 at Aston Villa, they bounced back in fine fashion. A 2-1 win over Wolves and a 1-0 win at Everton got the side back on track in the league. They beat Crystal Palace on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Carabao Cup.

They beat Brighton 2-1 at home with a 24-8 shot count and 3.08 xG produced. A 4-1 home win over Aston Villa saw total dominance with 3.04 xG and six big chances created. Last Saturday, they won 3-2 at Bournemouth.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta’s injury worries have eased. Gabriel’s return at the back is a major boost. Riccardo Calafiori is set to miss this match, as is fellow defender Cristhian Mosquera.

Youngster Max Dowman misses out. Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard will return to the XI, while Piero Hincapie will play at left back.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal will be hugely motivated to go eight points clear of Man City. A draw would be seen as a disappointing result.

The Gunners know that Liverpool are conceding plenty of set-pieces. Expect Arsenal to play a pragmatic game and look to protect any lead with a compact block.

Liverpool Form

The Reds are nine matches unbeaten right now. This has followed a streak of nine losses in 12 fixtures. They won 2-0 at ten-man West Ham, drew 1-1 at home to Sunderland and drew 3-3 at Leeds. A fine 1-0 win followed at Inter Milan before beating Brighton 2-0 at home.

They won 2-1 at nine-man Tottenham despite putting up just 0.66 xG. After beating Wolves 2-1 at home, they could only draw 0-0 at home to Leeds despite a 19-4 shot count. Their last match saw a 97th-minute goal conceded to draw 2-2 at Fulham.

Liverpool Team News

Alexander Isak will be out for the next few months. Mohamed Salah is still away at the AFCON, and Hugo Ekitike will need a late fitness test.

Wataru Endo and defender Giovanni Leoni are both ruled out. Cody Gakpo could play as the number nine with Florian Wirtz in support.

Liverpool Motivation

The Reds would probably take a point from this match. They did not even risk defeat in chasing a winner at Fulham, seemingly settling for a draw.

Arne Slot’s side are playing a pragmatic, more defensive style. They are slowly rebuilding confidence in a narrow formation.

Key Stats

• Arsenal have won 19 of their last 22 matches
• Arsenal have conceded in 5 of their last 6 league matches
• Liverpool are unbeaten in 9 matches (5 wins, 4 draws)
• Liverpool have won 4 of their last 7 matches at the Emirates

Verdict

The Reds do well in this fixture, but these clubs are in very different form right now. It’s hard to see past Arsenal winning this match, with both teams on target.

Best Bet: Arsenal win at 1.66

Value Bet: Arsenal win and Both Teams to Score at 3.40