Liverpool and Arsenal meet at Anfield in an early clash of last season’s Premier League title rivals.
Arsenal’s hopes of taking the next step under Mikel Arteta after back-to-back runners-up finishes were dashed by Liverpool as they swooped to win the title in Arne Slot’s first season.
The Reds have been the summer’s biggest spenders but Arsenal have also undergone a £250m spree, signing Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi.
Both teams have won their opening two games of the season but Liverpool have conceded twice in each of their two victories while Arsenal have kept consecutive clean sheets.
The Gunners arrive at Anfield without Bukayo Saka and with Martin Odegaard and Eze named on the bench, but victory at the champions would send a statement that Arsenal mean business this season.
Follow the latest team news and build-up to Liverpool v Arsenal, below
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Liverpool v Arsenal live: Updates as title rivals clash in Premier League
- Liverpool host Arsenal in early clash of Premier League title rivals
- VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
- Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
- Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Madueke.
- Alexis Mac Allister starts; Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard on bench for Arsenal
Liverpool FC - Arsenal FC
Bold choice from Arne Slot
15:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
No Eberechi Eze in the Arsenal starting 11 as Mikel Arteta goes for the most physical midfield possible in Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice. For Zubimendi, it is a first game at Anfield for a man Liverpool had hoped to sign last summer. Arne Slot sticks with Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back, which feels a bold choice, when Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley are both on the bench.
VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
15:50
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Chris Wilson
The big news from today so far...
Michael Salisbury, the VAR official at the centre of Chelsea’s controversial win over Fulham on Saturday, has been dropped from his duties ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Salisbury has been replaced by John Brooks after the Professional Game Match Officials Board {PGMOL] acknowledged an error was made in disallowing Fulham’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge.
Miguel Delaney's big preview:
15:35
,
Chris Wilson
The Gunners believe the Premier League champions offer more space than last season, which could present opportunities on Sunday in a pivotal game for this year’s title race.
Team news
15:26
,
Chris Wilson
Some big news for Arsenal as well, with Eberechi Eze left on the bench in his first game for the Gunners.
Martin Odegaard is also on the bench after being taken off against Leeds, with his injury clearly not as bad as originally feared.
Odegaard is one of two changes made to the eleven that lined up against Leeds last week, with Bukayo Saka’s injury meaning he’s replaced by Gabriel Martinelli.
Team news
15:23
,
Chris Wilson
For Liverpool, the big news is the return of Alexis Mac Allister, who replaces Curtis Jones in the starting eleven.
Other than that, it’s the same eleven who beat Newcastle 3-2 last time out, with Dominik Szoboszlai starting at right-back once again.
Line-ups
15:19
,
Chris Wilson
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Merino; Martinelli, Gyokeres, Madueke.
Subs: Kepa, Mosquera, Odegaard, Eze, Trossard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman, Harriman-Anous.
⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 31, 2025
©️ Gabriel skippers the side
↩️ Merino into midfield
Martinelli returns to the starting XI
Bring the fight, Gunners
Line-ups
15:17
,
Chris Wilson
Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez; Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
Subs: Mamardashvili, Gomez, Endo, Bradley, Chiesa, Jones, Elliott, Robertson, Ngumoha.
Your Reds to take on Arsenal #LIVARS
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 31, 2025
Team news
15:10
,
Chris Wilson
We’re expecting the announcement of the line-ups in about five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news.
For the hosts, Jeremie Frimpong remains out, while Alexis Mac Allister is facing a race to be fit for the match.
The Argentina midfielder is the only injury worry for Slot, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley having returned to the squad against Newcastle.
It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will opt to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back once again, though if so it is likely that Curtis Jones will partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield if so.
Arsenal's impressive away record against the 'Big Six'
15:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
The ‘Big Six’ may be dying as a concept given how Manchester United and Tottenham finished last season closer to the relegation places, but Arsenal have built up an impressive unbeaten run against those teams in recent seasons.
The Gunners have gone 22 matches unbeaten against Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, increasing that run with a 1-0 win at Old Trafford on the opening weekend of the season.
Arsenal’s last defeat to a ‘Big Six’ side in the Premier League came away to Manchester City in April 2023.
Mikel Arteta assessed Liverpool's start to the season
14:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta said he has noticed that Liverpool are looking to play differently this season with more emphasis on how Arne Slot’s side move the ball through the middle of the pitch.
“I think the individual characteristics at the end are what changed, how they use the ball as a team, and it's clear that a certain player receiving the ball in certain areas with different qualities, the outcome is going to be different,” he said.
“They've had a lot of signings, really good signings. They keep evolving the squad like we've done as well. So, a big match ahead.”
Arne Slot's praise of Mikel Arteta and Arsenal
14:30
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Jamie Braidwood
Arne Slot said Arsenal’s ability to play in different ways is a sign of how well coached they are by Mikel Arteta.
“They can play in multiple ways, you can see how well they are managed by Mikel [Arteta] and they are working for five years together, because they can play almost every style there is in football. That tells you how well managed they are.
“We face a very strong team that were already really good last season and I think they have improved their squad a lot during the summer.”
Can Liverpool continue scoring run against tough Arsenal defence?
14:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
According to Opta, Liverpool need to score in this game to set a new club record for consecutive scoring games in the top-flight
Their current run of 36 consecutive games scored in is level with a run between March 2019 and February 2020.
Liverpool have also scored in 98 per cent of their games under Arne Slot (39/40), which is the highest percentage by any manager in Premier League history.
Arsenal have kept clean sheets in their first two Premier League games this season.
Arne Slot says Liverpool have to improve at defending set-pieces
14:00
,
Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool conceded two goals from set-pieces as they won 3-2 at Newcastle on Monday night and Arne Slot said the Reds will have to improve when they face Arsenal.
“What stands out in a negative way for us is we have conceded, if I include the [Athletic Club] Bilbao game, [from] four set-pieces,” Slot said. “Of course, as we all know, that is one of their strengths – not the strength, but one of their strengths.”
Arsenal's threat from corners key against Liverpool
13:45
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal have scored from a corner in their last three Premier League games - including the opening goals in their wins against Manchester United and Leeds.
Since the start of 2023-24, Arsenal have scored 33 corner goals in the Premier League – more than any other side in Europe’s big-five leagues in that timeframe.
Breaking: VAR official dropped ahead of Liverpool-Arsenal after Fulham error
13:40
,
Jamie Braidwood
Michael Salisbury, the VAR official at the centre of Chelsea’s controversial win over Fulham on Saturday, has been dropped from his duties ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield.
Salisbury has been replaced by John Brooks after the Professional Game Match Officials Board {PGMOL] acknowledged an error was made in disallowing Fulham’s opening goal at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal's winless run at Anfield
13:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arsenal’s last Premier League win at Anfield came in 2012 - when Mikel Arteta started in midfield against a Liverpool team managed by Brendan Rodgers.
The Gunners are winless in their last 12 away games against the Reds, but the last three have been drawn.
Mikel Arteta declares champions Liverpool as title favourites
12:55
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Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta believes Liverpool remain favourites for the Premier League title this season.
The Gunners finished 10 points behind Liverpool last season, to end the season as runners-up for a third year in a row.
"The favourite is always the one that won the previous year,” Arteta said.
"Somebody has to come and take that crown away from them so that is what we will try to do. The aim is to be better than them."
Liverpool submit £35m bid for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi
12:35
,
Richard Jolly
Liverpool have made a £35m bid for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
The Premier League champions entered into talks for the England centre-back weeks ago and have now had a formal offer in their attempts to bring him to Anfield.
Liverpool will not loan Joe Gomez out and the defender is very unlikely to be leaving permanently before the transfer window closes.
Arne Slot provides Liverpool transfer update amid Alexander Isak saga
12:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arne Slot said Liverpool will try to strengthen their squad at the end of the transfer window if the price is right and the player they want is available.
Liverpool had a £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected at the start of August and the Sweden forward has been on strike at Newcastle as he has looked to secure a move away.
Mikel Arteta backs Eberechi Eze to make impact on Arsenal debut
11:55
,
Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta backed Eberechi Eze to make an impact on his Arsenal debut if he is selected to start against Liverpool at Anfield today and says the new signing can give the Gunners “something different”.
“I think he’s the type of player that loves those scenarios and those moments,” Arteta said. “I think the moment he starts to play, we will see how the team will react and what connections will flourish from his interventions. I’m very confident that he’s played in the league for so many years.
“We have to put him in the positions and scenarios where he can deliver those moments which are the reason why we brought him here, to give us something different, something unexpected, and we will adapt to more what is necessary as we know the outcome of that is really big.”
Arne Slot on Liverpool's team news with Virgil van Dijk fit
11:35
,
Jamie Braidwood
Arne Slot said Liverpool did not have any new fitness concerns for the match against Arsenal despite a physical encounter against Newcastle.
"The positive is that Conor Bradley only had one or two training sessions before the Newcastle game. He has trained this week, the whole week," Slot said.
"Mac Allister has started training again. I don't think we had any injuries coming out of that game. And Virgil is OK, I guess that would be the main thing that you would question, but he is OK."
Mikel Arteta on Bukayo Saka's latest hamstring injury
11:15
,
Jamie Braidwood
Mikel Arteta has revealed Bukayo Saka will only be sidelined for a "couple of weeks" - but admitted it is a "big concern" that the England star has suffered two hamstring injuries in eight months.
"He (Saka) does not need surgery," said Arteta. "It's not as bad as the previous one. He felt something, so he will be out for a couple of weeks.
"But it is obviously a concern, a big one, especially when we talk about a sprinter and a player that gets into that zone very often in a football match, who needs that burst, that change of rhythm of pace to be as threatening as possible.
"But we will learn again as to why it happened and make him stronger. Unfortunately injuries are part of a career. He hasn't had that many to be fair with the amount of games that he has played at his age but it is something that we want to eradicate."
Miguel Delaney's big preview:
10:54
,
Jamie Braidwood
The Gunners believe the Premier League champions offer more space than last season, which could present opportunities on Sunday in a pivotal game for this year’s title race
What is the Arsenal team news?
10:49
,
Jamie Braidwood
For the Gunners, it has been confirmed that Bukayo Saka will miss around a month of action for Arsenal, with the England international forced off with a hamstring issue against Leeds. He joins Kai Havertz on the list of injury absentees.
That leaves Martin Odegaard as the main injury doubt, with the Gunners captain facing a race against time to be fit for Anfield.
Odegaard’s replacement for this fixture could well be new signing Eberechi Eze, with the forward likely to make his first start at Anfield due to the injury to Saka.
Gabriel Martinelli and Noni Madueke could both feature on the wings, with Viktor Gyokeres starting up front in the absence of Havertz.
In defence, Arteta will likely go with the same quartet who started the win over Leeds, with Ben White potentially missing out again.
Possible Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Eze; Madueke, Gyokeres, Martinelli.
What is the Liverpool team news?
10:48
,
Jamie Braidwood
For the hosts, Jeremie Frimpong remains out, while Alexis Mac Allister is facing a race to be fit for the match.
The Argentina midfielder is the only injury worry for Slot, with Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley having returned to the squad against Newcastle.
It remains to be seen whether the Dutchman will opt to play Dominik Szoboszlai at right-back once again, though if so it is likely that Curtis Jones will partner Ryan Gravenberch in midfield if so.
Possible Liverpool XI: Alisson; Szoboszlai, Konate, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Jones; Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo; Ekitike.
When is Liverpool vs Arsenal?
10:47
,
Jamie Braidwood
The match is scheduled to kick off at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, 31 August at Anfield, Liverpool.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm. Subscribers can also watch online via the Sky Go app.
If you’re not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription.
Hello and welcome
10:47
,
Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool host Arsenal in Sunday’s late kick-off in the Premier League, with both sides looking to extend their perfect starts to the 2025/26 league season.
The champions return to Anfield in a jubilant mood after a dramatic late win over Newcastle at the beginning of the week, with Rio Ngumoha’s late goal meaning the Reds are one of three sides with maximum points from their opening two games.
They are joined there by Spurs and Arsenal, with the Gunners having dismantled Leeds with a ruthless 5-0 win to add to their victory at Old Trafford on the opening weekend.
But while both sides sit in the top three after two games, their respective performances have thrown up a few questions, with plenty of eyes on this match as each side has the chance to land the first blows of what looks like an intriguing title race.
