Arsenal v Liverpool – Line-ups, stats and preview

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.