Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
The faltering champions meet the in-form challengers on Thursday evening, as Arsenal welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium for a blockbuster clash that could have major implications for the title race. The visitors arrive on a longer unbeaten run, but victory for Mikel Arteta’s men would open up a staggering 17-point gap over the holders with 17 games left to play.
Arsenal
Arsenal ushered in the New Year in dramatic fashion, overturning an early setback against Bournemouth to secure a vital 3-2 win. Gabriel Magalhaes redeemed his costly error with a goal, while Declan Rice netted twice—his first-ever Premier League brace after 296 appearances—to complete the comeback.
That triumph extended Arsenal’s winning streak to seven matches in all competitions, including five consecutive league victories. While only two of those wins have come by more than a single goal, grinding out results when below peak performance is often the hallmark of champions.
Arteta’s side remain firmly in control of the title race, six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, though that margin could shrink before kick-off depending on midweek results. Still, Arsenal’s home form is formidable: 14 wins from 15 matches at the Emirates this season, including 12 in succession. Another victory would not only strengthen their grip on top spot but also etch a new chapter in club history.
Team News
Arteta’s selection headache is a welcome one. Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are sidelined with ankle injuries, while Riccardo Calafiori remains unavailable. Kai Havertz may be rested again for load management, paving the way for Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka to start out wide. Saka, in particular, is chasing a milestone—he could become the first Arsenal player to score in four straight home league games against Liverpool.
Liverpool
Arsenal have beaten reigning champions at home in each of the past two seasons, and a third consecutive triumph would mark a Premier League-era first. Liverpool, meanwhile, arrive under a cloud of uncertainty. Back-to-back draws against Leeds (0-0) and Fulham (2-2) have stalled momentum after a four-game winning run, with Harrison Reed’s stunning late equaliser at Craven Cottage epitomising their defensive frailties.
Arne Slot’s men remain fourth and are on the cusp of a 10-match unbeaten streak, but their recent form has exposed cracks that previous victories may have masked. The Reds edged Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield in August thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s spectacular free kick, yet they have failed to win any of their last three visits to the Emirates—a trend that could spell the end of their faint title hopes.
Team News
Liverpool’s attacking options are depleted. Mohamed Salah (AFCON) and Alexander Isak (broken leg) are definite absentees, while Hugo Ekitike faces a race to be fit after muscular issues. Florian Wirtz is managing a hamstring concern but should feature, whereas Giovanni Leoni (ACL) and Wataru Endo (ankle) are ruled out. Jeremie Frimpong offers flexibility on the right if Ekitike misses out.
Head-to-Head
Liverpool have beaten Arsenal more times than any other club in Premier League history (26 wins), but recent encounters in North London favour the Gunners. Arteta’s men have won the last two at home and could make it three in a row for the first time since the early 1960s.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s injury woes and fragile confidence contrast sharply with Arsenal’s relentless form and fortress-like home record. All signs point to a statement win for the Gunners, who should break the 50-point barrier and stretch their lead over the soon-to-be dethroned champions.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 11/20
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
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