The Premier League serves up its headline clash of the weekend when Liverpool meet Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday. Both teams arrive with perfect records after two games, setting the stage for an early examination of title credentials.
Liverpool’s home form last season was unmatched. They won 14 of 19 at Anfield, scoring 42 times and conceding just 16, while leading the league in expected points, xG and shots inside the box. Anfield was a fortress, and Arne Slot’s side are keen to show those numbers were no anomaly. This season they have started strongly with two wins, scoring seven goals. Their attack looks ferocious, producing a league-high 10 shots on target and 13 shots inside the box per game. The only concern is defensive vulnerability, with four goals conceded and no clean sheets to show for their dominance.
Arsenal meanwhile have made the ideal start. Mikel Arteta’s men have scored six and conceded none, sitting top of the table ahead of Tottenham on goal difference. Their expected data is equally strong, recording an xG of 2.00 per game and conceding just 0.60, while not allowing a single big chance in their first two matches. That defensive organisation is a continuation of last year, when they boasted the best away record in terms of goals conceded and xGA.
The summer saw both clubs tweak their squads. Liverpool reinforced wide areas and midfield, while Arsenal retained their core and resisted offers for key players. With momentum on both sides, the clash promises a test of Liverpool’s attacking volume against Arsenal’s defensive control. It is the standout fixture of the weekend and one that could have implications deep into the season.
How the bookies view it: Bookies undecided
Liverpool are priced at 5/4 (44.4%) to win, with the draw at 13/5 (27.8%) and Arsenal at 47/20 (29.8%), underlining how closely matched the sides are. The goals market also points to a competitive game, with over 2.5 goals at 4/5 (55.6%) and both teams to score at 8/13 (61.9%), suggesting the expectation is for chances at both ends without the contest turning into a goal-fest.
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Head to Head: Tight game with goals
Recent meetings between Liverpool and Arsenal have been tight, often producing goals at both ends. Last season’s league fixtures both ended 2-2, continuing a trend of draws in this matchup. In fact, three of the last four Premier League clashes have finished level, showing how evenly matched the sides have become. Looking back further, the last nine league meetings have produced six draws and three wins split between the clubs, with only one fixture decided by more than a single goal margin. The FA Cup tie in January 2024 went Liverpool’s way with a 2-0 win in London, while Arsenal’s most recent victory in the league came in February 2024, a 3-1 win at the Emirates.
From a goals perspective, nine of the last eleven competitive meetings have seen both teams score, including high-scoring contests such as Liverpool’s 3-2 defeat at the Emirates in October 2022 and their 5-5 League Cup draw in October 2019. Even matches that finished level, such as the two 2-2 draws last season, were entertaining and chance heavy. Overall, the head-to-head shows a rivalry that rarely lacks drama. Liverpool’s historical dominance at Anfield has been eroded, and Arsenal now approach these fixtures on equal footing. With goals common and draws frequent, it is no surprise the market expects another close contest at Anfield.
Players to watch: Gakpo central to Liverpool play
Cody Gakpo looks a strong option in the player markets for Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal, with the combination of 2+ shots and 2+ fouls won standing out.
Last season, when starting in the Premier League, Gakpo averaged just over two shots per game, hitting that line in 71% of his starts. He found the target 20 times from 45 attempts, and often stepped up in big games, scoring against the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham and Arsenal. He has carried that shot volume into this season, already taking four efforts in his opening two appearances.
What strengthens the bet is his foul-drawing record. In 2024/25 he was fouled 24 times in 20 starts, averaging 1.2 per game. That was steady, but this season he has already been fouled seven times in just two matches, a jump to 3.5 per game. His role looks more central in Liverpool’s attacking build-up, forcing defenders into contact.
Against an Arsenal side that presses high and breaks play up with tactical fouls, Gakpo has a good chance of delivering on both parts of this bet.
This can be backed at 23/20 at Skybet.
Predicted line-ups
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson, Kerkez, Van Dijk, Konate, Bradley, Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Salah, Gakpo, Ekitike
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard, Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke
Anything else catch the eye?
Liverpool’s opening fixtures have highlighted both sides of their game. Their attack has been relentless, finding the net in every match and producing high-quality finishing. Yet they remain vulnerable at the back, conceding in both league outings and relying on efficiency rather than dominance to see off opponents. That profile makes both teams to score appealing.
Arsenal on the other hand look compact and organised. They have begun with two clean sheets and strong control of territory, but this is their toughest attacking test so far. Even with their defensive record, it is hard to see them shutting Liverpool out for 90 minutes at Anfield, where only one visiting side managed to keep a clean sheet last season. Equally, Arsenal have improved going forward, with a sharper cutting edge early in the campaign. That makes them well-placed to find a breakthrough themselves.
The under 4.5 angle comes from the way these teams usually approach high-stakes encounters. Last season’s meeting at Anfield ended 1-1, and only one of the last nine league clashes between them has gone above four goals. Arsenal’s away profile was built on keeping games under control, with just 37% of their away matches going over 2.5. Liverpool’s attack adds risk to that pattern, but they tend to play with more caution in these heavyweight matchups.
With both teams already perfect in the table, neither will want to risk defeat at this stage. As it is early in the season, a point apiece would not be a bad outcome. Both teams to score combined with under 4.5 goals looks a well-balanced way to approach this contest.
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