Today, Thursday, January 8, 2026, the Emirates Stadium becomes the focal point of the footballing world. This isn’t just a match; it is a heavyweight clash that could fundamentally tilt the balance of the Premier League title race. Arsenal enters the fray as the league's dominant force, sitting atop the table with 48 points. For Mikel Arteta, this is an opportunity to extend a six-point lead over Manchester City and move a staggering 17 points clear of tonight’s opponents, the defending champions.
For Liverpool, currently in 4th place with 34 points, this match is about pride, survival, and a desperate need to reclaim their status. The Reds have "imploded" since their runaway success last term, and while a recent nine-game unbeaten streak has stabilized the ship, they arrive in London as clear underdogs.
Form Guide: Relentless Gunners vs. Resilient Reds
Arsenal (W-W-W-W-W): The Gunners are a juggernaut. They kicked off 2026 with a gritty 3-2 comeback victory over Bournemouth, marking their fifth consecutive league win. With only one defeat in 21 matches—which ironically came at Anfield earlier this season—Arteta has finally built a "miserly" defense (conceding just 14 goals) and an attack that smells blood. At the Emirates, they are near-perfect, winning nine of their ten home fixtures.
Liverpool (D-D-W-W-W): Arne Slot’s side is "licking its wounds." After a disastrous autumn where they lost nine of twelve games, they have remained unbeaten since November. However, the turn of the year has been frustrating; back-to-back 2-2 draws against Leeds and Fulham have slowed their climb. While they hold the psychological edge of being the only team to beat Arsenal this season, their current inconsistency makes this a mountainous task.
Tactical Breakdown & Selection Crisis
Arsenal’s settled Machine:rnMikel Arteta has the luxury of a nearly full-strength squad. The back four of Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, and Hincapie is the most cohesive unit in the league. In midfield, the trio of Ødegaard, Zubimendi, and Rice has become a benchmark of control, with Rice emerging as a "difference-maker" in recent weeks. Up front, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard return to the starting XI after being rested, supporting Viktor Gyökeres, whose physical presence will be used to stretch Van Dijk and Konaté.
Liverpool’s Attacking Nightmare:rnArne Slot is managing a crisis. Talisman Mohamed Salah is away at AFCON, and long-term injuries to Alexander Isak (leg) and Wataru Endo (ankle) have gutted the spine. The biggest concern is Hugo Ekitike; the Frenchman is facing a "race against time" with a hamstring issue. If he fails his fitness test, Cody Gakpo will likely lead a makeshift line. The creative burden rests entirely on Florian Wirtz and Dominik Szoboszlai, who must find a way to bypass Arsenal’s relentless counter-press.
Coach Pre-Match Conference Snapshot
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): "Every week we have a point to prove. We are top, we play at home against the champions, and we want to maintain our position. Our level of determination and desire has to be perfect. The crowd makes us a different team; the energy they transmit is what we need to win."
Arne Slot (Liverpool): "We know the difficulty. Arsenal are a 'complete' team right now. We have had a sensationally difficult run of injuries, but we have a structure and an understanding of what to do. We go there not just to participate, but to compete as the champions we are."
Key Players & Prediction
Arsenal: Declan Rice. Fresh off a brace against Bournemouth, Rice is the engine. His ability to dominate the midfield battle against Gravenberch and Mac Allister will dictate the game's rhythm.
Liverpool: Dominik Szoboszlai. With Salah gone, Szoboszlai is the magic man. His delivery and long-range shooting are Liverpool's best hope of breaching the league's best defense.
Predictions
Arsenal to win
Arsenal's home dominance and Liverpool’s massive list of attacking absences suggest the Gunners will get their revenge, though Liverpool's resilience will keep it close.
