The reigning champions face an uphill battle this evening, as Arsenal welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium for a crucial Premier League showdown.
The Reds arrive on a longer unbeaten run than the hosts, but defeat in North London would leave Mikel Arteta’s side a commanding 17 points clear with 17 games remaining.
Arsenal began the New Year brightly, capitalising on dropped points elsewhere during Gameweek 20 despite a nightmare start away to Bournemouth, where Gabriel’s early error was punished by Evanilson.
The centre-back atoned with a crucial equaliser before Declan Rice struck twice to seal a dramatic 3-2 win, his first Premier League goals after 296 appearances.
Arsenal’s joy was compounded later that evening when Chelsea’s late equaliser against Manchester City further strengthened their position at the top.
Back-to-back draws for City mean both they and Aston Villa sit six points behind the Gunners, although that gap could be reduced on Wednesday night.
The Emirates Stadium has been a fortress this season, with Arsenal winning 14 of their 15 matches there in all competitions, including a current 12-game winning streak.
A victory here would also see the Gunners beat the reigning champions at home in three consecutive Premier League seasons for the first time.
Liverpool arrive in North London after surrendering late leads in back-to-back draws against Leeds and Fulham, the latter seeing Harrison Reed’s stunning injury-time strike cancel out what looked to be a decisive Cody Gakpo goal.
Those results have stalled the momentum generated by a four-match winning run, although Arne Slot’s side remain fourth in the table and are now nine games unbeaten in all competitions.
Team news for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal are close to full strength, with Arteta dealing with only a small number of absentees. Max Dowman and Cristhian Mosquera are ruled out with ankle injuries, while Riccardo Calafiori remains a doubt due to an unspecified issue.
Kai Havertz was left out against Bournemouth for load management purposes, and the German could again be rested given Arsenal’s depth in attacking areas. Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the starting lineup and is aiming to become the first Arsenal player to score in four consecutive home league matches against Liverpool.
Leandro Trossard is also in line for a recall after starting on the bench last weekend, while Declan Rice should continue in midfield following his match-winning brace.
Liverpool’s attacking options are more limited. Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON, while Alexander Isak is sidelined with a leg injury. Hugo Ekitike remains a doubt after missing the Fulham draw with a muscular problem, although Florian Wirtz is expected to feature despite managing a hamstring issue.
Giovanni Leoni and Wataru Endo are both unavailable, and Slot may opt for continuity after the Craven Cottage draw, with Jeremie Frimpong an alternative option on the right.
Expected line-ups for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard
Liverpool: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo
How to watch Arsenal v Liverpool: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off on Thursday is at 20:00 GMT (16:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event.
Via Now TV, Sky Sports costs £14.99 for a day membership, £28 a month for a 12-month membership or £34.99 a month with no contract.
Sky Sports memberships include access to all 12 live Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+, which offers live streams and a dedicated channel.
Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
The stats for Arsenal v Liverpool
Arsenal have won 14 of their 15 home matches in all competitions this season
The Gunners are on a 12-game winning streak at the Emirates
Arsenal have won their last five Premier League matches
Liverpool are unbeaten in nine matches across all competitions
Liverpool have failed to win any of their last three league visits to the Emirates
Arsenal could move 17 points clear of Liverpool with a victory
Prediction
Arsenal
1
–
0
Liverpool
Liverpool have beaten Arsenal more times than any other side in Premier League history, but current form, injuries and home advantage all point towards a positive evening for the leaders.
With Liverpool short of attacking options and Arsenal continuing to find ways to win, Arteta’s side should strengthen their grip on the title race.
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