Liverpool vs Arsenal
Liverpool and Arsenal are two of the only teams left with a 100 per cent record in the Premier League early this campaign. However, only one of them can stay perfect when they clash at Anfield this Sunday afternoon.
After ceding the Community Shield to Crystal Palace to open 2025-26, Arne Slot’s Reds began their English top-flight title defence with a 4-2 victory over Bournemouth and a 3-2 win against Newcastle United. Liverpool aim to beat Arsenal so that they can set the tone early and carry momentum ahead of the September international break.
On the other hand, Arsenal eked out a narrow 1-0 win against Manchester United on the opening matchday before whacking Leeds United 5-0 last Sunday. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners are probably tired of playing second fiddle, so they’re not taking anything for granted.
Who will win this blockbuster duel? Continue reading below for today’s SBOTOP match preview.
Talking Points
Liverpool have a new youngster on the rise
Liverpool got off to a fast start against Newcastle United, as Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike scored twice to give the Reds a 2-0 lead. However, Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula made it 2-2 for the Magpies, despite being reduced to 10 men after Anthony Gordon was sent off before halftime.
As the Reds grew desperate for a late winner, head coach Arne Slot did the unthinkable by subbing Cody Gakpo for Rio Ngumoha, and the teenager slotted the ball home in the 100th minute through Mohamed Salah’s pass and Dominik Szoboszlai’s clever dummy run. At 16 years and 361 days, Ngumoha, who just turned 17 today, became Liverpool’s youngest Premier League scorer.
Ngumoha has been widely considered one of the top young prospects in England. The Newham-born striker started his career in Chelsea’s youth academy, but surprised everyone when he joined Liverpool’s ranks in the summer of 2024.
Following his timely performance against the Magpies, Ngumoha may have earned himself more playing time this season. However, don’t expect him to start anytime soon, as the Reds plan to develop him slowly but surely.
Early fitness concerns for Arsenal
Arsenal’s depth will be tested against Liverpool, as manager Mikel Arteta might miss up to three key players this Sunday. Bukayo Saka is expected to miss up to four weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained against Leeds United. Captain Martin Odegaard had to be subbed off early in the same game after he hurt his shoulder and is questionable to play. Kai Havertz, who missed the Leeds United contest, just underwent a minor surgical procedure on his knee, but his absence isn’t expected to be as lengthy as initially feared.
Unlike before, Arteta has no reason to worry. The Gunners have acquired seven signings this summer to shore up their rotation. Eberechi Eze and Mikel Merino could replace Saka and Odegaard in the starting XI, while there could be more minutes for Ethan Nwaneri, Max Dowman, or Leandro Trossard.
History
Liverpool are winless in their last six Premier League matches against Arsenal (D4, L2). This is the Reds’ longest winless run against the Gunners since going eight without a victory between October 2007 and April 2011. The last three Premier League matches between these two sides at Anfield have been draws.
Arsenal are winless in their previous 12 away games against the Reds (D5, L7) since a 2-0 win back in September 2012, with manager Mikel Arteta still playing for them. The Gunners have won their first two Premier League matches without conceding, and they can make it three straight shutout wins to open the season for the first time since 1924-25.
Arsenal vs. Liverpool is the second-highest scoring Premier League fixture in history, with 198 goals combined, only eight adrift from Liverpool vs. Tottenham (206 goals).
Betting Tip
Since this is a preview of the title race, football fans shouldn’t expect anything less from this high-profile matchup. Points might have to be shared by these two proud sides, and the Premier League 2025 odds agree. Because they’re playing at home, Liverpool have the slight advantage at 2.20, while Arsenal aren’t far behind at 2.94.
Just like in their previous encounters, this Sunday has Premier League 2025 highlights written all over it. Bettors can also add Over 2.50 at 1.75, Over 2.75 at 2.00, Over 3.00 at 2.29, and Total Goal 4-6 at 3.00 to the parlay besides our recommended bet above. Furthermore, a Correct Score of 2-2 – the result of their last two meetings – is on offer at 13.00 your bet.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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