Anfield will stage the first heavyweight clash of the Premier League season on Sunday afternoon, with Liverpool and Arsenal set to collide.
For the visitors, it represents a chance to make a long-overdue statement. The Gunners haven’t tasted league victory at Anfield since 2012, a hoodoo Mikel Arteta is desperate to end.
For Liverpool, the match provides an opportunity to put in a statement performance after two very unconvincing performances.
Here’s everything you need to know.
How to watch
The fixture will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage beginning at 4pm and kick-off at 4:30pm.
You can also stream the match via the Sky Go app.
Form guide
Both clubs arrive with perfect records after two matches, though the manner of those wins tells a slightly different story.
Liverpool’s defence of their crown has been far from serene, twice surrendering commanding leads before late goals spared Arne Slot from an early setback.
The most recent escape came at St James’ Park, where teenage substitute Rio Ngumoha delivered a memorable winner against ten-man Newcastle.
Arsenal, by contrast, have opened with more conviction. A fortuitous victory away to Manchester United was followed by a demolition of Leeds United at the Emirates, with Viktor Gyökeres opening his Premier League account with a brace.
What have the managers said?
Both managers were in reflective mood ahead of the game. Slot acknowledged his side are still a work in progress, but insisted improvement will come.
Arne Slot:
“t is not starting all the way new again, but I think it is normal that we play even better – even better, not better but even better – in a few weeks than we do now. In the meantime, you can lose ground.”
Mikel Arteta:
“They are champions for a reason, because they deserve to be champions. It’s a very important one and we want to continue building the momentum that we are in right now. Going to those grounds, those stadiums, against this kind of opposition is what we want and coming away from those big games, winning in a really convincing way. That’s the objective.”
Team news and predicted line-ups
The reigning champions, welcome back Alexis Mac Allister after injury, with the Argentine expected to partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield. Conor Bradley could return to the starting XI after featuring off the bench at Newcastle.
Arteta’s side have yet to concede a goal, but the loss of Bukayo Saka to injury is a huge blow ahead of their trip to Merseyside. Martin Ødegaard’s fitness remains uncertain, while Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also unavailable.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley, Konaté, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitiké
Arsenal (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice; Madueke, Eze, Martinelli; Gyökeres
