Arsenal XI vs Liverpool predicted lineup and injury latest

Arsenal are expected to welcome Liverpool to the Emirates Stadium with changes likely from Mikel Arteta, as the Premier League title race continues to take shape.

The Gunners head into the clash with momentum, but Arteta remains mindful of managing workloads after a demanding run of fixtures.

Bukayo Saka is expected to return to the Arsenal starting lineup after being eased back against Bournemouth. The winger began that match on the bench before featuring in the second half, a decision driven by Arsenal’s schedule rather than fitness concerns.

With only one match this week, Saka is expected to start against Liverpool and provide the direct threat Arsenal have sometimes lacked without him.

There could also be a change on the opposite flank. Leandro Trossard is pushing to return to the XI after Gabriel Martinelli struggled to make an impact when given a start last time out.

Arteta is expected to prioritise balance and control against Liverpool, with this fixture likely to take precedence over Sunday’s FA Cup tie against Portsmouth, where rotation is anticipated.

Arsenal will again be without Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera, both of whom are nearing the final stages of rehabilitation.

“I think pretty soon they have to go to the last stage of the rehab,” Arteta said. “If everything goes well, hopefully very soon they will be available for selection.”

There is more optimism surrounding Kai Havertz, who could return to the matchday squad after being left out against Bournemouth as Arsenal carefully manage his comeback from a lengthy absence.

“He trained again this morning,” Arteta added. “He’s very close and hopefully we’re going to have him available and the best version of Kai.”

Havertz has not featured since the opening-day win away at Manchester United, making his potential return a significant boost.

Despite speculation, Eberechi Eze is expected to remain on the bench once more, having not featured in Arsenal’s last four league matches.

Gabriel Jesus is also yet to start a Premier League game this season and may again have to settle for a substitute role, with Arteta reluctant to disrupt the team’s rhythm.

Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Hincapié, Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard, Saka, Gyökeres, Trossard

Injured, Calafiori, Mosquera, Dowman
Doubtful, Havertz

Kick-off, 8pm GMT, Thursday January 8, 2026
Venue, Emirates Stadium
TV, Sky Sports

Arsenal know a victory over Liverpool would further reinforce their title credentials, particularly with rivals still juggling injuries and international absences. Arteta’s selection points towards stability rather than experimentation, underlining the importance of this fixture in the wider Premier League context.