Champions Liverpool will host title contenders Arsenal at Anfield in a fixture that promises to command attention as one of the early defining encounters of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Both sides will go to battle on Sunday 31st August, with kick‑off set for 4:30pm, marking a headline performance for Sky Sports’ Super Sunday broadcast.
It is an intriguing encounter so early on in the campaign: champions versus runners‑up, ambition versus redemption, and two of English football’s most tactically evolved teams going head-to-head. This isn’t one to be missed – even for the neutral.
Both clubs have started the season brightly, and with a transfer window that has already thrown up some high-profile moves, this clash could reveal early insights into who may be best positioned to chase down silverware this season.
Check out the odds on Liverpool vs Arsenal at Tonybet here.
Team news
Liverpool enter the match in a state of partial flux. The club – and fans – are still rightfully mourning the loss of Diogo Jota, who was always a shining light for the Reds’ attacking transitions. Known for his pressing intelligence and eye for goal, Jota’s presence will be missed – and more so his personality off it – and his tragic death has shook the footballing world.
Defensively, the club continues to adjust to life without Trent Alexander-Arnold, who completed a move to Real Madrid in June. It’s a transfer that marked the end of an era. His ability to dictate tempo from deep, particularly with inverted movements, was central to Liverpool’s identity. Liverpool quickly moved to sign Jérémie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen to take over at right-back, and he has shown promise in his first few games for his new club.
Both Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are working their way back to full fitness, leaving Arne Slot short on the right-hand side of his defence if Frimpong were to pick up an injury.
Arsenal head into this fixture with their own fitness concerns hovering. Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard picked up knocks during the 5-0 win over Leeds, raising concerns ahead of the trip to Anfield. Mikel Arteta has described Saka’s hamstring strain as “significant”, while Ødegaard’s shoulder injury appears less severe. Both will face late assessments.
The Gunners are also missing Kai Havertz and have been without Ben White at the start of the new campaign. Still, the eye-catching arrival of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace and the immediate impact of striker Viktor Gyökeres – who scored twice against Leeds – show that Arsenal have the depth and quality to challenge Liverpool this season.
Liverpool vs Arsenal H2H
These two sides have forged a fierce rivalry over the years, particularly as both transitioned into credible title contenders. Last season, Liverpool finished 10 points clear of Arsenal, and Anfield remains one of the most daunting venues for visiting teams. Historically, Arsenal have struggled in this fixture, with Liverpool unbeaten in their last six home league meetings against the Gunners.
However, Arteta’s side are no longer the naive, possession-heavy outfit of his early tenure. This is a team capable of tactical switches mid-match, of absorbing pressure, and punishing lapses with quick vertical play. Their recent record against the top six – especially away from home – has improved, though the psychological barrier at Anfield remains.
This matchup has frequently produced drama: late goals, high scores, and the occasional flashpoint. However, with both managers placing more emphasis on structure and control, this could be a more measured affair – especially so soon into a new Premier League campaign.
Liverpool predicted squad
With injuries and departures shaping Slot’s decisions, Liverpool’s starting XI is likely to lean on its most dependable core. Alisson will start in goal, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté marshalling the centre of defence. New signing Miloš Kerkez from Bournemouth will operate as their chosen left-back, while Frimpong will hold down the other flank while he has no competition. Neither Conor Bradley nor Joe Gomez are expected to recover in time, and Slot will be hoping that his new signing can remain injury-free until he at least has back-up at his disposal.
In midfield, Alexis Mac Allister is expected to play a key role once more. For Irish fans, Mac Allister’s story continues to resonate – not just due to his World Cup triumph with Argentina, but also because of his Irish heritage. Alongside him, Dominik Szoboszlai will partner him, sitting just in front of the defence to stop any of Arsenal’s new attackers cutting through.
Up front, Mohamed Salah will anchor the right wing, with Cody Gakpo likely to start on the left or tucked inside depending on the shape. Exciting new forward Hugo Ekitike is the probable starter through the middle, having scored in the Community Shield final and at Anfield vs Bournemouth on the opening day of the season.
If Slot needs to use his bench, he may turn towards Federico Chiesa, who also scored against Bournemouth. Wataru Endō may be used if the hosts are looking to keep hold of a slender lead in the second half.
Fancy the hosts? Find out the odds here.
Arsenal predicted squad
Despite a few uncertainties, Arsenal’s starting lineup largely picks itself. David Raya is expected to continue in goal, with William Saliba and Gabriel forming the central pairing. Arteta will turn to Jurrien Timber on the right to deal with Liverpool’s wingers, while Riccardo Calafiori should start at left-back, offering his usual hybrid role when Arsenal have possession.
In midfield, Declan Rice will likely serve as the anchor, while Eberechi Eze could be given creative licence if Ødegaard is unavailable. Martin Zubimendi will complete the trio, while Leandro Trossard may also be considered as an alternative depending on Saka’s fitness.
The front line hinges on the status of Bukayo Saka. If fit, he starts wide right, with Viktor Gyökeres leading the line through the centre. The Swedish international’s physicality and composure have quickly endeared him to supporters. Gabriel Martinelli could round out the front three depending on fitness and tactical needs.
Eze, in line to make his debut for his boyhood club, is a particularly exciting watch. His close control, spatial awareness and sudden acceleration give him the tools to shine in high-pressure environments such as Anfield. This could be his breakout display on a truly elite Premier League stage.
Our expert predictions
This match is difficult to call. Liverpool’s home record and championship mentality may give them the slight edge, especially given the atmosphere that Anfield generates in high-profile games.
Arsenal, on the other hand, have talent of their own that can worry the hosts. If Ødegaard and Saka are passed fit, they could control large periods of the match. The likes of Eze and Gyökeres offer unpredictability, and with Liverpool’s defensive frailties, the Gunners are more than capable of exploiting the wide areas.
The safest prediction is a narrow Liverpool 2-1 win based on their overall experience and home advantage at 17/2 with Tonybet. Arsenal can certainly get on the scoresheet, having scored five against Leeds, but this is a completely different test away from their home environment.
If you want to back both teams to score, the bookmakers certainly agree with your prediction, pricing it at just 7/10. However, if we believe that Liverpool can come out on top, their current price at 10/11 stands out as our best and most sensible tip.
For real-time betting updates and expert markets for Liverpool vs Arsenal, head over to Tonybet.
Check out the pre-match odds on Liverpool vs Arsenal right now.
