The Anfield giants dropped from first to fifth place last season — after that, even Slot’s previous achievements could not save him. His replacement, Iraola, has mostly been guiding his team to victories, although they have already suffered a 0-3 defeat to Manchester City. They beat Brighton 2-0 in the previous round, and convincingly at that. A little earlier, they produced a spirited 4-3 comeback against Villarreal in the Champions League. This week, they drew with Chelsea in the League Cup but prevailed in a lengthy penalty shootout.
The London powerhouse finally secured the Premier League title in the spring, only to lose to PSG in the Champions League final shortly afterward — on penalties. The new season began with a 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. There were more wins after that, although September brought a disastrous 0-3 defeat to Brighton. They have won every match since then, with the sole exception of a draw against Bayern. However, they were sensationally knocked out of the League Cup this week by modest Fleetwood Town: .
The former champions score just 1.38 goals per match and concede one on average. The reigning champions, meanwhile, are characteristically solid despite averaging 1.63 goals scored, conceding just 0.63 per game.
Previous meetings: Liverpool – Arsenal
Liverpool won twice in the last seven competitive meetings, suffering one defeat. Four matches ended in draws.
These encounters rarely turn into spectacles. We are backing “under 3.0 goals” (odds – 1.6).
Liverpool – Arsenal: key statistics and trends
Liverpool have won six of their last eight matches
Both teams have scored in 38% of Liverpool’s matches, with an average total of 2.38 goals per game.
Arsenal have failed to win in only three matches this season across all competitions
Both teams have scored in 25% of Arsenal’s matches, with an average total of 2.25 goals per game
Liverpool – Arsenal: possible starting lineups
Liverpool play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Alisson — Gomez, Jaque, Van Dijk, Kerkez — Mac Allister, Szoboszlai — Barcola, Wirtz, Ngumoha — Isak
Arsenal play in a 1-4-3-3 formation (possible lineup): Raya — Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Calafiori — Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Ødegaard — Saka, Madueke, Havertz
