Premier League Matchweek 21 | Emirates Stadium | Thursday, January 8, 2026
Arsenal host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday night (8:00 PM GMT, 3:00 PM ET) in a clash between the Premier League leaders and a faltering top four contender. Arsenal sit first on 48 points, six points clear of Manchester City and Aston Villa, while Liverpool occupy fourth place on 34 points, a staggering 14 points behind the summit. A victory for Arsenal would effectively end Liverpool’s lingering title ambitions and strengthen their own championship charge.
The stakes have shifted dramatically for Liverpool. Once genuine title challengers, they now face a battle to secure Champions League qualification, with Chelsea and Manchester United lurking just behind them. Arsenal, meanwhile, see an opportunity to deliver a knockout blow to a historic rival depleted by AFCON departures and serious injuries.
Recent Fixture Balance Shifts
The head-to-head record shows competitive balance in recent years. At the Emirates specifically, Arsenal have won three of the last six encounters against Liverpool’s one victory, with two draws. The overall last 10 meetings are evenly split: Arsenal three wins, Liverpool three wins, and four draws. Liverpool hold three wins by two or more goals in that span, including 2-0 and 3-0 victories, while Arsenal have recorded two such wins, most notably a 3-1 triumph in 2024 that signaled a power shift under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal’s Dominant Home Form
Arsenal arrive with exceptional momentum: W5-D0-L1 across their last six matches, scoring 2.50 goals per game while conceding just 0.83. They have won five consecutive matches across all competitions, including a gritty 3-2 away victory over Bournemouth. At home specifically, Arsenal are perfect in their last three (2.33 goals for, 0.67 against per game), extending a broader trend of seven consecutive Premier League home victories. The Emirates has become a fortress, with Arsenal unbeaten at home in the league since October.
Liverpool’s Alarming Stagnation
Liverpool’s recent form reveals troubling patterns: W1-D4-L1 in their last six matches, managing just 1.17 goals per game while conceding the same amount. While technically unbeaten in nine matches, they have become draw specialists, dropping points with frustrating 2-2 and 0-0 stalemates against Fulham and Leeds. Their away record shows one win and two draws in their last three road trips (1.33 goals for, 1.00 against per game), demonstrating resilience but lacking the cutting edge to claim victories.
High-Scoring Fixture History
This fixture guarantees entertainment, averaging approximately three goals per game across 67 Premier League meetings that have produced 199 total goals. Liverpool have failed to score in only one of their last 10 visits to the Emirates, suggesting Arsenal’s defense will face a genuine test despite the visitors’ offensive absences.
Tactical Contrast
Arsenal operate with controlled possession (58 percent) and average 16.5 shots per game in their 4-3-3 system. They will target Liverpool’s right side, where Trent Alexander-Arnold or Conor Bradley operates, using Gabriel Martinelli’s pace to exploit defensive vulnerabilities. Arsenal are currently the best set-piece team in world football. Liverpool favor even higher possession (61 percent) under Arne Slot with 15.2 shots per game, relying on midfield control to dominate matches. Without Mohamed Salah, they lack a clinical finisher. The key battle will be Gabriel Magalhães against Cody Gakpo or Darwin Núñez, with Arsenal’s elite center-backs facing Liverpool’s makeshift attack.
Catastrophic Liverpool Absences
Liverpool face a devastating personnel crisis. Mohamed Salah, their top scorer, has departed for AFCON duty with Egypt. Alexander Isak, their record signing, suffered a broken leg and is out for the season. Giovanni Leoni has torn his ACL. Hugo Ekitiké remains doubtful with a hamstring issue. The attacking burden falls on Federico Chiesa, Luis Díaz, Gakpo and Núñez to somehow fill the void left by two world-class forwards.
Arsenal are relatively healthy. Takehiro Tomiyasu remains out with a knee injury, while Riccardo Calafiori carries a knock and Jurrien Timber faces a late fitness test. Kai Havertz was rested against Bournemouth and returns fresh, with Declan Rice fully fit after playing 90 minutes last match.
Probable Lineups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Odegaard, Merino; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Szoboszlai, Wirtz, Díaz; Gakpo.
Numbers to Watch
14 points separating Arsenal from Liverpool in the standings. Seven consecutive Premier League home wins for Arsenal. 199 goals in 67 Premier League meetings between these clubs. One goalless match for Liverpool in their last 10 visits to the Emirates. Five consecutive victories for Arsenal across all competitions.
Where to Watch
UK viewers can watch on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League. US coverage is on Peacock (3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT). International streams include FuboTV (Canada). Referee Anthony Taylor oversees proceedings in cold, breezy London conditions (5°C).
