The Emirates Stadium hosts a blockbuster Premier League clash on Thursday, January 8, 2026, as table-topping Arsenal welcome defending champions Liverpool in a match kicking off at 8:00 PM GMT.
This midweek fixture pits the league leaders against the faltering Reds, with Arsenal aiming to extend their advantage in the title race while Liverpool fight to keep their slim hopes alive.
Current Standings and Form
Arsenal sit comfortably atop the Premier League with 48 points from 20 games (15 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses), with the best defensive record this season. Mikel Arteta's side have been relentless, winning their last seven matches across all competitions, including a hard-fought 3-2 victory at Bournemouth and a dominant 4-1 thrashing of Aston Villa just before the new year.
At home, the Gunners are near-invincible: unbeaten at the Emirates this season, with 14 wins from 15 and a current streak of seven consecutive home league victories.
Liverpool, the reigning champions, occupy fourth place with 34 points from 20 matches (10 wins, 4 draws, 6 losses). Arne Slot's team has shown resilience with a nine-game unbeaten run across all competitions, but they have lost their ruthless touch from last season.
Arsenal vs Liverpool H2H Record
This fixture has historically favored Liverpool, who have won 96 of the 245 all-time meetings (Arsenal 83, draws 66). In the Premier League era, the Reds have beaten Arsenal more times than any other opponent (26 wins). The reverse fixture this season saw Liverpool edge a 1-0 win at Anfield courtesy of a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick in August. Notably, Arsenal have not lost at home to Liverpool in their last three league meetings.
Team News and Key Players
Arsenal's injury list is thinning, with only Riccardo Calafiori (muscular), Cristhian Mosquera, and youngster Max Dowman sidelined. Declan Rice has been pivotal in midfield since returning from injury, scoring braces in recent wins, while Bukayo Saka continues to terrorize defenses - he's scored in his last three home Premier League games against Liverpool and could become the first Arsenal player to net in four consecutive home league matches versus the Reds.
Liverpool face significant absences: Mohamed Salah is on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, while injuries rule out Hugo Ekitike (hamstring doubt), Giovanni Leoni, Stefan Bajcetic, Wataru Endo, and others. Cody Gakpo has stepped up with goals in recent London away games, and Dominik Szoboszlai remains a set-piece threat, but the lack of firepower without Salah is a major concern.
Arsenal vs Liverpool Prediction
Arsenal's high-pressing, fluid attack - led by Saka, Martin Ødegaard, and a rotating forward line, have overwhelmed opponents at home, where they've conceded just a handful of goals. Their defensive solidity makes them tough to break down. Liverpool will have to be wary about the North London club but their defense has been in trouble in recent times.
This is the first Premier League meeting between the sides on a Thursday, adding a unique edge to a rivalry packed with history. Although the Reds come to the Emirates as defending champions, the prediction tilts everything in favour of the Gunners.

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