Arsenal vs Liverpool: FA Cup Match Preview, Team News, Lineups and Prediction
Arsenal host Premier League toppers Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium in the FA Cup third-round clash on Sunday afternoon.
With Arsenal losing back-to-back Premier League games, they now sit five points behind Liverpool, who have won their last two games.
Match Preview
The Gunners have lost back-to-back games in the league and have dropped from 1st place to 4th. Both losses against West Ham and Fulham have affected their title charge for this season.
Despite taking an early lead against Fulham at the Craven Cottage, Arsenal couldn’t hold onto their good start. Strikes from Raul Jimenez and Bobby Decordova-Reid ensured a comeback win for Fulham.
With the January transfer window already open, Arsenal will surely look to add players in every department if they want to compete for the Premier League title.
The Gunners have won the FA Cup a record 14 times. 2020 was the last time they lifted that trophy in front of an empty Wembley.
As for Liverpool, their story has been totally different this season. Klopp’s side had a really bad last campaign, but with some quality signings they are back to charge for the title this season.
Since drawing against Arsenal at Anfield, they have won against Burnley and Newcastle United. Mo Salah is in sensational form and is carrying the Reds this time.
Furthermore, they also created history against the Magpies as they recorded an astronomical 7.27 expected goals (xG) – the highest of any English top-flight team on record.
The last time Liverpool won the FA Cup was in 2021/22 campaign. Last season, their run ended with a premature fourth-round exit to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Arsenal team news
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mo Elneny will miss the clash due to their call for the Asia Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
Thomas Partey was unable to take part in the AFCON as he is suffering from a injury. Jurien Timber and Fabio Vieira will miss the FA Cup clash.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is also doubtful for this clash, which has left Arteta with no left-back in his team.
Liverpool team news
Ben Doak, Kostas Tsimikas, Thiago, Stefan Bajcetic, Robertson, and Joel Matip will miss the trip to the Emirates due to injury.
Klopp’s side have got another big blow as Dominik Szoboszlai is now out with a hamstring injury.
Moreover, Salah and Wataru Endo has also left for AFCON and the Asia Cup.
Arsenal vs Liverpool: Predicted line-ups
Arsenal (4-3-3): Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Kiwior; Odegaard, Rice, Havertz; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Liverpool (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Gomez; Jones, Mac Allister, Gravenberch; Jota, Gakpo, Diaz
Prediction
Arsenal 1-0 Liverpool
After losing their last two games, the Gunners will be spirited to get back to winning ways, and it wouldn’t be a better game than this for them. Liverpool are missing their key players and will struggle against Arsenal at the Emirates.
