Arsenal vs Liverpool: Tactics ,Squad News and Predictions

Arsenal will face Liverpool at 8 pm GMT kick-off tonight,2300 hrs EAT, Thursday, January 8, 2026.

The match will take place at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal can go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League with a win over defending champions Liverpool.

“It’s a massive game against obviously the champions of the last Premier League, and we have a point to prove,” Arteta said.

Tactics

Arsenal’s tactical approach under Mikel Arteta is built around control, versatility and effective use of wide areas. The team primarily operates in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation, with an emphasis on dominating possession through quick, intricate passing.

Defensively, Arsenal maintains a strong structure anchored by a midfield pivot, often involving players such as Martin Zubimendi or Declan Rice. One of the pivot players frequently drops into the defensive line, allowing full-backs to push forward while ensuring stability during transitions.

In attack, the focus shifts to exploiting the wings to create high-quality chances. Arsenal frequently generates opportunities through cutbacks from wide positions, supported by modern forwards who are comfortable dropping deep to link play or making runs in behind the defense.

Liverpool under manager Arne Slot has shifted from Klopp’s high-speed counters to a more patient, possession-based, yet direct style.

He often uses a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, focused on fluid midfield rotations (Gravenberch, Mac Allister) and exploiting half-spaces, with players like Szoboszlai linking play, fullbacks inverting or providing width, and wingers cutting inside.

Liverpool applies this while maintaining aggressive counter-pressing to win the ball back high up the pitch, aiming for controlled build-up and increased effectiveness against low blocks.

Squad News

1. Arsenal

Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the Arsenal side for the visit of Liverpool.

The winger started on the bench against Bournemouth on Saturday before coming on midway through the second half.

Arsenal have been keen to manage his minutes when they have played three times in a week, but he should be fresh to come into the starting lineup against Liverpool.

Mikel Arteta confirmed at his press conference on Friday that Arsenal will again be without Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera.

The Gunners could have Kai Havertz back in the squad, after he was left out against Bournemouth to manage his load as he returns from a lengthy absence.

The German has not featured since the opening game of the season away at Manchester United.

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapie; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard

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2. Liverpool

For the second time in three seasons, Mo Salah will miss the trip to the Emirates due to the Africa Cup of Nations, with his absence extended after Egypt progressed to the quarter-finals.

Liverpool injuries and absentees list

Hugo Ekitike (hamstring) – doubt
Mo Salah (AFCON) – out
Alexander Isak (ankle & fractured fibula)- out
Wataru Endo (ankle) -out
Giovanni Leoni (ACL) -out
Stefan Bajcetic (hamstring) – out
Jayden Danns (hamstring) – out

Predicted Liverpool starting lineup: Alisson; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Jones; Gakpo

Predictions

Much has changed since Liverpool narrowly beat Arsenal back in August, courtesy of Szoboszlai’s stunner.

The Reds have slumped to unexpected lows and have looked a shadow of their former selves, while Arsenal have gone from strength to strength.

Liverpool’s inability to defend set pieces could haunt them against a team great at exploiting them, while their general defensive sloppiness may well be punished emphatically.

With attacking options limited, they look unlikely to even test the division’s sternest defence.

This looks like a straightforward Arsenal win.

Prediction: Arsenal 3-0 Liverpool.

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