Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction & Match Preview – Thursday, 8 January

The Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction & Match Preview sets the stage for an exciting Premier League clash on Thursday, 8 January. The Emirates Stadium will host this pivotal encounter between two of England’s most storied clubs. Arsenal, playing at home, will look to leverage their familiar surroundings to gain an edge over Liverpool. Both teams are renowned for their attacking prowess, making this matchup one to watch for fans and punters alike.

The significance of this Premier League fixture cannot be overstated, as both Arsenal and Liverpool are vying for crucial points in the league standings. With the season in full swing, every match counts, and both teams will be eager to secure victory. The Emirates Stadium atmosphere will undoubtedly be electric, adding to the intensity of this high-stakes encounter. Fans can expect a thrilling display of football as these two giants clash.

Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both Teams to Score – Yes	1.6

Given the attacking prowess and defensive issues of both teams, our recommended bet is BTTS (Both Teams to Score). This fixture has a history of being high-scoring, and both Arsenal and Liverpool have shown consistent scoring form despite missing key players.

• Arsenal are unbeaten in 11 consecutive home matches, showing strong home form, but they have conceded goals late in games.
• Liverpool concede an average of 1.5 goals per game this season, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• Historically, this fixture has produced goals, and with both teams boasting potent attacks, BTTS is a reliable bet.

Betting Odds

Arsenal enter this Premier League clash as favourites, with odds of 1.56 reflecting their strong home form at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool, meanwhile, are considered underdogs at 5.53, but their attacking threat means they could spring a surprise.

Betting Tip	Odds
Arsenal to win	1.56
Draw	4.21
Liverpool to win	5.53

The draw is priced at 4.21, which may tempt those expecting a closely contested match. With both teams known for their offensive capabilities, betting on over 2.5 goals could be a smart play for punters looking to capitalise on the match odds.

Arsenal Analysis & Recent Performance

Arsenal have been in outstanding form, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League table with 48 points. They have won each of their last five matches, including a recent 3-2 victory over Bournemouth. This winning streak highlights their dominance in the league and underscores their attacking strength.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Bournemouth	Arsenal	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Aston Villa	4 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Brighton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Crystal Palace	N/A	EFL Cup	23 Dec 2025
Everton	Arsenal	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Arsenal’s attack has been particularly lethal, averaging 3.80 goals per match over their last five fixtures. Their top scorer, Viktor Gyökeres, has played a key role, contributing significantly to their goal tally. While their defence has conceded an average of 2.40 goals per game in the same period, with only one clean sheet, there is room for improvement at the back. However, their ability to consistently outscore opponents has kept them on a winning run.

At home, Arsenal have been flawless, winning all five of their recent matches at the Emirates. Their home win ratio stands at 1.00, reflecting their formidable presence in North London. This perfect home record is a testament to their tactical acumen and adaptability, making them a daunting challenge for any visiting side.

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Arsenal Suspensions & Injuries

Arsenal face Liverpool with a few notable absentees due to injury. Cristhian Mosquera’s ankle injury sidelines him until mid-January, potentially impacting Arsenal’s defensive depth. While Mosquera’s absence may not directly affect the starting lineup, it limits Mikel Arteta’s options for rotation and tactical flexibility, especially if further injuries or tactical changes are required during the match.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cristhian Mosquera	Ankle injury	Mid-January 2026
Max Dowman	Ankle injury	Early February 2026
Riccardo Calafiori	Muscle strain	Mid-January 2026

Max Dowman, another defensive squad member, is also out with an ankle injury, with a return expected in early February. His absence further restricts defensive rotation. Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori’s muscle injury, with a similar mid-January return timeline as Mosquera, affects depth on the left flank. These injuries mean Arsenal will need to rely on their current starters to maintain form and fitness during this busy period.

Despite these injuries, Arsenal’s core starting lineup remains intact, suggesting minimal immediate tactical disruption. The absence of these squad players primarily affects depth, which may not significantly alter betting markets but could influence in-play strategies should further injuries occur. Arteta will likely depend on the resilience and fitness of his starting eleven to see Arsenal through this challenging encounter.

Arsenal Key Players

Viktor Gyökeres stands out as Arsenal’s top scorer this season, with five goals to his name. His role as the central forward will be crucial against Liverpool, as his ability to hold up play and link attacks could create opportunities for his teammates. Gyökeres’ physical presence and clinical finishing make him a constant threat to defences.

In midfield, Martin Ødegaard is the orchestrator, with vision and passing range that will be key to unlocking Liverpool’s defence. Alongside him, Declan Rice brings tenacity and defensive solidity, making him indispensable in breaking up opposition attacks. At the back, William Saliba’s leadership and composure will be vital in organising the defence and dealing with Liverpool’s attacking threats.

Expected lineup for Arsenal

• Goalkeeper: David Raya
• Defence: Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, Piero Hincapié
• Midfield: Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice
• Forward: Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal’s tactical approach will likely revolve around a strong defensive setup, complemented by quick transitions through midfield, utilising the creativity of Ødegaard and the finishing prowess of Gyökeres. The combination of these key players provides Arsenal with a balanced attack and a resilient defence, essential for their strategy against a formidable Liverpool side.

Arsenal Tactics & Formation

Arsenal Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Viktor Gyökeres
• Midfield Trio: Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, Declan Rice
• Defensive Strength: Only one clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick transitions

Arsenal’s 4-3-3 formation under Mikel Arteta prioritises a blend of possession-based play and high pressing. In midfield, Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi, and Declan Rice form a formidable trio, excelling in ball retention and distribution, providing both defensive cover and offensive support.

Defensively, the back four of Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel, and Piero Hincapié offers a mix of pace and physicality. However, the team have managed only one clean sheet in their last five matches, indicating room for improvement in defensive organisation.

Offensively, Arsenal rely on the attacking prowess of Viktor Gyökeres, supported by wingers Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. Their strategy often involves high pressing to regain possession quickly and launch rapid counter-attacks, capitalising on the speed and creativity of their forward line.

Liverpool Analysis & Recent Performance

Liverpool’s recent form has been strong, remaining unbeaten in their last five matches with three wins and two draws. Notably, they secured victories against Wolverhampton (2-1), Tottenham (2-1), and Brighton (2-0), demonstrating their ability to perform against tough opposition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Fulham	Liverpool	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Leeds	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Liverpool	Wolverhampton	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Tottenham	Liverpool	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025
Liverpool	Brighton	2 – 0 (Win)	Premier League	13 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Liverpool’s attack has been efficient, averaging 1.60 goals per match in their last five outings, while defensively, they have conceded an average of 0.80 goals per game. This balance has contributed to two clean sheets in this period. Their away form is also impressive, with Liverpool winning three out of their last five away matches, giving them a 60% win ratio.

In terms of team dynamics, Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a key player, leading the scoring charts with eight goals. Liverpool’s ability to maintain possession, as evidenced by their 59% possession in the recent draw against Fulham, underscores their tactical discipline. However, their defence has shown vulnerabilities, conceding in three of their last five games, suggesting there is still room for improvement in keeping clean sheets.

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Liverpool Suspensions & Injuries

Liverpool face significant challenges ahead of their clash with Arsenal, primarily due to the absence of several key players. Mohamed Salah is serving the final match of his national team ban, leaving a noticeable void in Liverpool’s attack. Salah’s ability to stretch defences and his clinical finishing are crucial to Liverpool’s style, and his absence will force a tactical rethink, likely requiring Cody Gakpo to shoulder more of the attacking responsibility.

Player	Suspension	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Mohamed Salah	International Duty	1	Unknown

The injury list for Liverpool is equally concerning, with Joel Matip and Giovanni Leoni ruled out for the season due to cruciate ligament injuries. Matip’s absence will test the depth in central defence, though Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk remain steadfast options. In midfield, injuries to Stefan Bajcetic and Wataru Endo, both expected to return later in January, limit rotation. However, Liverpool’s current midfield trio of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister provide ample quality and creativity.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Joel Matip	Cruciate ligament injury	Out for season
Stefan Bajcetic	Hamstring injury	Late January 2026
Giovanni Leoni	Cruciate ligament injury	Early August 2026
Jayden Danns	Hamstring injury	Unknown
Wataru Endo	Knock injury	Mid January 2026
Alexander Isak	Broken leg	Late April 2026
Hugo Ekitike	Hamstring injury	Early February 2026

The tactical adjustments required due to these absences could see Liverpool adopt a more conservative approach, relying on their solid defensive line and midfield creativity to control the game. This situation may affect betting markets, as Liverpool’s attacking threat is notably diminished without Salah and with their current injury concerns.

Liverpool Key Players

Liverpool will be relying heavily on Cody Gakpo to spearhead their attack against Arsenal. As the sole forward in the expected lineup, Gakpo’s ability to find space and finish chances will be crucial, particularly with top scorer Hugo Ekitike sidelined. Gakpo’s agility and sharpness in front of goal make him a constant threat, and his interplay with the midfield could unlock Arsenal’s backline.

In midfield, Dominik Szoboszlai and Florian Wirtz are expected to play pivotal roles. Szoboszlai’s vision and passing range make him a key playmaker, capable of orchestrating Liverpool’s attacking moves, while Wirtz brings creativity and flair that can disrupt Arsenal’s defensive structure. Alexis Mac Allister’s work rate and Ryan Gravenberch’s physicality will be essential in maintaining midfield dominance.

Expected lineup for Liverpool

• Goalkeeper: Alisson Becker
• Defenders: Ibrahima Konaté, Virgil van Dijk, Conor Bradley, Milos Kerkez
• Midfielders: Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Curtis Jones, Florian Wirtz
• Forward: Cody Gakpo

Defensively, the presence of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté provides Liverpool with a solid base. Van Dijk’s leadership and aerial prowess, combined with Konaté’s speed and tackling ability, are vital to suppressing Arsenal’s attacking threats. Alisson Becker, as the last line of defence, offers reliability and shot-stopping excellence that could prove decisive in a tightly contested match.

Liverpool Tactics & Formation

Liverpool Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Cody Gakpo
• Midfield Pivot: Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: High pressing and quick ball recovery.

Liverpool’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Arne Slot is designed to enhance their attacking potential while maintaining defensive stability. The presence of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister in the midfield pivot provides a blend of defensive coverage and creative playmaking, crucial for transitioning from defence to attack.

Defensively, the partnership of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté at centre-back is pivotal, supported by full-backs Conor Bradley and Milos Kerkez. This setup has led to Liverpool achieving two clean sheets in their last five matches, demonstrating their ability to shut down opponents effectively.

Offensively, Liverpool’s strategy emphasises high pressing and rapid ball recovery, often looking to exploit the opposition’s defensive lapses. Cody Gakpo, leading the line, is vital in converting chances, supported by creative talents such as Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones in advanced roles.

Arsenal vs Liverpool Head-to-Head Record

Arsenal and Liverpool have faced off 50 times in total, with Liverpool leading the head-to-head record with 18 wins to Arsenal’s 14, and 21 matches ending in a draw. Their last encounter saw Liverpool narrowly edge out Arsenal 1-0 at Anfield in the Premier League.

The last time Arsenal hosted Liverpool at the Emirates in the Premier League, the match ended in a 2-2 draw in October 2024. Arsenal’s home form against Liverpool has been mixed, but they did secure a 3-1 victory in their February 2024 meeting.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Liverpool	Arsenal	1 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-31
Liverpool	Arsenal	2 – 2	Premier League	2025-05-11
Arsenal	Liverpool	2 – 2	Premier League	2024-10-27
Liverpool	Arsenal	2 – 1	Club Friendlies	2024-07-31
Arsenal	Liverpool	3 – 1	Premier League	2024-02-04